1974 Renault 12 vs. 1983 Skoda Rapid R
To start off, 1983 Skoda Rapid R is newer by 9 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. Both 1974 Renault 12 and 1983 Skoda Rapid R are equipped with a 1,289 cc engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Skoda Rapid R (62 HP @ 4750 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1974 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1983 Skoda Rapid R should accelerate faster than 1974 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Renault 12 weights approximately 100 kg more than 1983 Skoda Rapid R.
Because 1983 Skoda Rapid R 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 1983 Skoda Rapid R. 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, 1983 Skoda Rapid R (99 Nm @ 2850 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Renault 12. (96 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1983 Skoda Rapid R will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Renault 12.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Renault 12 | 1983 Skoda Rapid R | |
| Make | Renault | Skoda |
| Model | 12 | Rapid R |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1289 cc | 1289 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 62 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Torque | 96 Nm | 99 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2850 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 950 kg | 850 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 4170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1600 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2410 mm |
