1974 Renault 12 vs. 1980 Toyota Century
To start off, 1980 Toyota Century is newer by 6 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 3,375 cc (8 cylinders), 1980 Toyota Century is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Toyota Century (167 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 114 more horse power than 1974 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Toyota Century should accelerate faster than 1974 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Toyota Century weights approximately 855 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 1980 Toyota Century 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 1980 Toyota Century. 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, 1980 Toyota Century (270 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 174 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Renault 12. (96 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1980 Toyota Century will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Renault 12. 1980 Toyota Century 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. 1980 Toyota Century will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Renault 12 | 1980 Toyota Century | |
| Make | Renault | Toyota |
| Model | 12 | Century |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1289 cc | 3375 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 96 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 950 kg | 1805 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 4990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2870 mm |
