1974 Renault 12 vs. 1978 Toyota Corona
To start off, 1978 Toyota Corona is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Renault 12. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Renault 12 would be higher. At 1,968 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Toyota Corona is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Toyota Corona (90 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1974 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Toyota Corona should accelerate faster than 1974 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Toyota Corona weights approximately 140 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 1978 Toyota Corona 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 1978 Toyota Corona. 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, 1978 Toyota Corona (145 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Renault 12. (96 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1978 Toyota Corona will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Renault 12.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Renault 12 | 1978 Toyota Corona | |
| Make | Renault | Toyota |
| Model | 12 | Corona |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1289 cc | 1968 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 96 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 950 kg | 1090 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2510 mm |
