1974 Renault 12 vs. 1991 Toyota Lexcen
To start off, 1991 Toyota Lexcen is newer by 17 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 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1991 Toyota Lexcen is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Toyota Lexcen (171 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 118 more horse power than 1974 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1991 Toyota Lexcen should accelerate faster than 1974 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1991 Toyota Lexcen weights approximately 380 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 1991 Toyota Lexcen 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 1991 Toyota Lexcen. 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, 1991 Toyota Lexcen (293 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 197 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Renault 12. (96 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1991 Toyota Lexcen will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Renault 12. 1991 Toyota Lexcen 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. 1991 Toyota Lexcen will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Renault 12 | 1991 Toyota Lexcen | |
| Make | Renault | Toyota |
| Model | 12 | Lexcen |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1991 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1289 cc | 3791 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 171 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 96 Nm | 293 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 950 kg | 1330 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 4900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2740 mm |
