1974 Renault 12 vs. 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit 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 1,457 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit (62 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1974 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit should accelerate faster than 1974 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Renault 12 weights approximately 140 kg more than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 Volkswagen Rabbit (104 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Renault 12. (96 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Renault 12. 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit 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 Volkswagen Rabbit will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1974 Renault 12 | 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
Make | Renault | Volkswagen |
Model | 12 | Rabbit |
Year Released | 1974 | 1980 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1289 cc | 1457 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 53 HP | 62 HP |
Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5400 RPM |
Torque | 96 Nm | 104 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Vehicle Weight | 950 kg | 810 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 3950 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1620 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1420 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2410 mm |