1974 Renault 12 vs. 1951 Singer SM 1500
To start off, 1974 Renault 12 is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1951 Singer SM 1500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1951 Singer SM 1500 would be higher. At 1,495 cc (4 cylinders), 1951 Singer SM 1500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Renault 12 (53 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1951 Singer SM 1500. (47 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 Renault 12 should accelerate faster than 1951 Singer SM 1500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Renault 12 weights approximately 110 kg more than 1951 Singer SM 1500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1951 Singer SM 1500 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 1951 Singer SM 1500. 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, 1951 Singer SM 1500 (98 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Renault 12. (96 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1951 Singer SM 1500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Renault 12.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Renault 12 | 1951 Singer SM 1500 | |
| Make | Renault | Singer |
| Model | 12 | SM 1500 |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1951 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1289 cc | 1495 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 47 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 96 Nm | 98 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 950 kg | 840 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 3860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1480 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2320 mm |
