1974 Renault 12 vs. 1948 Tatra Tatraplan
To start off, 1974 Renault 12 is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1948 Tatra Tatraplan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1948 Tatra Tatraplan would be higher. At 1,952 cc (4 cylinders), 1948 Tatra Tatraplan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Renault 12 (53 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1948 Tatra Tatraplan. (51 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 Renault 12 should accelerate faster than 1948 Tatra Tatraplan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1948 Tatra Tatraplan weights approximately 226 kg more than 1974 Renault 12.
Because 1948 Tatra Tatraplan 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 1948 Tatra Tatraplan. 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, 1948 Tatra Tatraplan (118 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Renault 12. (96 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1948 Tatra Tatraplan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Renault 12.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Renault 12 | 1948 Tatra Tatraplan | |
| Make | Renault | Tatra |
| Model | 12 | Tatraplan |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1948 |
| Engine Size | 1289 cc | 1952 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 51 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 96 Nm | 118 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 950 kg | 1176 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2710 mm |
