1974 Renault 12 vs. 1989 Rover 216
To start off, 1989 Rover 216 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 1,590 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Rover 216 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Rover 216 (114 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 1974 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Rover 216 should accelerate faster than 1974 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Rover 216 weights approximately 180 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 Rover 216 (141 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 47 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Renault 12. (94 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1989 Rover 216 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Renault 12.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Renault 12 | 1989 Rover 216 | |
| Make | Renault | Rover |
| Model | 12 | 216 |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1289 cc | 1590 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 94 Nm | 141 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 73 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77 mm | 90 mm |
| Top Speed | 143 km/hour | 193 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 900 kg | 1080 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1950 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2550 mm |
