1974 Renault 12 vs. 1966 Rover P5
To start off, 1974 Renault 12 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Rover P5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Rover P5 would be higher. At 2,995 cc (6 cylinders), 1966 Rover P5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1966 Rover P5 (122 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 1974 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1966 Rover P5 should accelerate faster than 1974 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1966 Rover P5 weights approximately 780 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 1966 Rover P5 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 1966 Rover P5. 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, 1966 Rover P5 (217 Nm @ 2650 RPM) has 121 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Renault 12. (96 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1966 Rover P5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Renault 12. 1966 Rover P5 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. 1966 Rover P5 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Renault 12 | 1966 Rover P5 | |
| Make | Renault | Rover |
| Model | 12 | P5 |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1966 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1289 cc | 2995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 122 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 96 Nm | 217 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2650 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 950 kg | 1730 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2820 mm |
