1974 Renault 12 vs. 1986 Toyota Corolla
To start off, 1986 Toyota Corolla is newer by 12 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), 1986 Toyota Corolla is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Toyota Corolla (123 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1974 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Toyota Corolla should accelerate faster than 1974 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Toyota Corolla weights approximately 40 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 1986 Toyota Corolla 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 1986 Toyota Corolla. 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, 1986 Toyota Corolla (142 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Renault 12. (96 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1986 Toyota Corolla will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Renault 12.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Renault 12 | 1986 Toyota Corolla | |
| Make | Renault | Toyota |
| Model | 12 | Corolla |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1986 |
| 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 | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 96 Nm | 142 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 950 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 4190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2410 mm |
