1974 Fiat 500 vs. 1977 Renault 12
To start off, 1977 Renault 12 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 1,289 cc (4 cylinders), 1977 Renault 12 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1977 Renault 12 (53 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1974 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1977 Renault 12 should accelerate faster than 1974 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Renault 12 weights approximately 384 kg more than 1974 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 Fiat 500 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1974 Fiat 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1977 Renault 12, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1977 Renault 12 (94 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 67 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1977 Renault 12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Fiat 500 | 1977 Renault 12 | |
| Make | Fiat | Renault |
| Model | 500 | 12 |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1977 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 1289 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 27 Nm | 94 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 67.4 mm | 73.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 77 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 516 kg | 900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 22 L | 56 L |
