1974 Renault 12 vs. 1986 Toyota Tercel
To start off, 1986 Toyota Tercel 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 1,295 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Toyota Tercel is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Toyota Tercel (70 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1974 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Toyota Tercel should accelerate faster than 1974 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Renault 12 weights approximately 170 kg more than 1986 Toyota Tercel.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 Tercel (108 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Renault 12. (96 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1986 Toyota Tercel will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Renault 12. 1986 Toyota Tercel has automatic transmission and 1974 Renault 12 has manual transmission. 1974 Renault 12 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1986 Toyota Tercel will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Renault 12 | 1986 Toyota Tercel | |
| Make | Renault | Toyota |
| Model | 12 | Tercel |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1289 cc | 1295 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 96 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 950 kg | 780 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 3890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2440 mm |
