1974 Renault 12 vs. 1981 Vauxhall Chevette
To start off, 1981 Vauxhall Chevette 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 1,289 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Renault 12 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Vauxhall Chevette (56 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1974 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Vauxhall Chevette should accelerate faster than 1974 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Renault 12 weights approximately 95 kg more than 1981 Vauxhall Chevette.
Because 1981 Vauxhall Chevette 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 Vauxhall Chevette. 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, 1974 Renault 12 (96 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Vauxhall Chevette. (89 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1974 Renault 12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Vauxhall Chevette.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Renault 12 | 1981 Vauxhall Chevette | |
| Make | Renault | Vauxhall |
| Model | 12 | Chevette |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1289 cc | 1256 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 56 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 96 Nm | 89 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 950 kg | 855 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2400 mm |
