1974 Renault 12 vs. 1989 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 1989 Pontiac Grand Am is newer by 15 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 1,996 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Pontiac Grand Am is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Pontiac Grand Am (163 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 110 more horse power than 1974 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Pontiac Grand Am should accelerate faster than 1974 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Pontiac Grand Am weights approximately 285 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.
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, 1989 Pontiac Grand Am (237 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 141 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Renault 12. (96 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1989 Pontiac Grand Am will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Renault 12. 1989 Pontiac Grand Am 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. 1989 Pontiac Grand Am will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Renault 12 | 1989 Pontiac Grand Am | |
| Make | Renault | Pontiac |
| Model | 12 | Grand Am |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1289 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 96 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 950 kg | 1235 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2630 mm |
