1974 Renault 12 vs. 1981 Toyota Soarer
To start off, 1981 Toyota Soarer is newer by 7 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 1,988 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Toyota Soarer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Toyota Soarer (115 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 1974 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Toyota Soarer should accelerate faster than 1974 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Toyota Soarer weights approximately 230 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 1981 Toyota Soarer 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 1981 Toyota Soarer. 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, 1981 Toyota Soarer (172 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 76 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Renault 12. (96 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1981 Toyota Soarer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Renault 12.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Renault 12 | 1981 Toyota Soarer | |
| Make | Renault | Toyota |
| Model | 12 | Soarer |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1289 cc | 1988 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 96 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 950 kg | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 4660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2670 mm |
