1974 Renault 12 vs. 1987 Alfa Romeo 90
To start off, 1987 Alfa Romeo 90 is newer by 13 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 2,391 cc (4 cylinders), 1987 Alfa Romeo 90 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Alfa Romeo 90 (109 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 1974 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 Alfa Romeo 90 should accelerate faster than 1974 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Alfa Romeo 90 weights approximately 300 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 1987 Alfa Romeo 90 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 1987 Alfa Romeo 90. 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, 1987 Alfa Romeo 90 (235 Nm @ 2300 RPM) has 139 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Renault 12. (96 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1987 Alfa Romeo 90 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Renault 12.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Renault 12 | 1987 Alfa Romeo 90 | |
| Make | Renault | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | 12 | 90 |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1987 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1289 cc | 2391 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 96 Nm | 235 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 950 kg | 1250 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2520 mm |
