1974 Renault 12 vs. 1980 Triumph Spitfire
To start off, 1980 Triumph Spitfire 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 1,493 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Triumph Spitfire is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Triumph Spitfire (71 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1974 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Triumph Spitfire should accelerate faster than 1974 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Renault 12 weights approximately 135 kg more than 1980 Triumph Spitfire.
Because 1980 Triumph Spitfire 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 Triumph Spitfire. 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 Triumph Spitfire (111 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Renault 12. (96 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1980 Triumph Spitfire will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Renault 12.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Renault 12 | 1980 Triumph Spitfire | |
| Make | Renault | Triumph |
| Model | 12 | Spitfire |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1289 cc | 1493 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 96 Nm | 111 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 950 kg | 815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 3740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1450 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2110 mm |
