1974 Renault 12 vs. 1960 Studebaker Silver Hawk
To start off, 1974 Renault 12 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1960 Studebaker Silver Hawk. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1960 Studebaker Silver Hawk would be higher. At 3,050 cc (6 cylinders), 1960 Studebaker Silver Hawk is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1960 Studebaker Silver Hawk (101 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 1974 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1960 Studebaker Silver Hawk should accelerate faster than 1974 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1960 Studebaker Silver Hawk weights approximately 400 kg more than 1974 Renault 12. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1960 Studebaker Silver Hawk 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 1960 Studebaker Silver Hawk. 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, 1960 Studebaker Silver Hawk (206 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Renault 12. (96 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1960 Studebaker Silver Hawk will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Renault 12. 1960 Studebaker Silver Hawk has automatic transmission and 1974 Renault 12 has manual transmission. 1974 Renault 12 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1960 Studebaker Silver Hawk will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Renault 12 | 1960 Studebaker Silver Hawk | |
| Make | Renault | Studebaker |
| Model | 12 | Silver Hawk |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1960 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1289 cc | 3050 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 96 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 950 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 5190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 3070 mm |
