1974 Renault 12 vs. 1985 Toyota Celica
To start off, 1985 Toyota Celica is newer by 11 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 1,587 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Toyota Celica is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Toyota Celica (86 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 1974 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Toyota Celica should accelerate faster than 1974 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Toyota Celica weights approximately 172 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 1985 Toyota Celica 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 1985 Toyota Celica. 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, 1985 Toyota Celica (131 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Renault 12. (96 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1985 Toyota Celica will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Renault 12.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Renault 12 | 1985 Toyota Celica | |
| Make | Renault | Toyota |
| Model | 12 | Celica |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1289 cc | 1587 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 86 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 96 Nm | 131 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 950 kg | 1122 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2590 mm |
