1974 NSU 1000 vs. 1974 Renault 12
To start off, both 1974 NSU 1000 and 1974 Renault 12 were released in the same year (1974). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 1,289 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Renault 12 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Renault 12 (53 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1974 NSU 1000. (38 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Renault 12 should accelerate faster than 1974 NSU 1000. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Renault 12 weights approximately 290 kg more than 1974 NSU 1000. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 NSU 1000 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 NSU 1000. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1974 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, 1974 Renault 12 (96 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 NSU 1000. (70 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1974 Renault 12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 NSU 1000.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 NSU 1000 | 1974 Renault 12 | |
| Make | NSU | Renault |
| Model | 1000 | 12 |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 994 cc | 1289 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 70 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 660 kg | 950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1500 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2450 mm |
