1974 Renault 12 vs. 1974 Rover 3.5
To start off, both 1974 Renault 12 and 1974 Rover 3.5 were released in the same year (1974). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 3,532 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Rover 3.5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Rover 3.5 (149 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 96 more horse power than 1974 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Rover 3.5 should accelerate faster than 1974 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Rover 3.5 weights approximately 688 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 1974 Rover 3.5 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 Rover 3.5. 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 Rover 3.5 (276 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 180 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Renault 12. (96 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1974 Rover 3.5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Renault 12. 1974 Rover 3.5 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. 1974 Rover 3.5 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Renault 12 | 1974 Rover 3.5 | |
| Make | Renault | Rover |
| Model | 12 | 3.5 |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1289 cc | 3532 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 96 Nm | 276 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 950 kg | 1638 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1550 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2820 mm |
