1974 Renault 12 vs. 1994 Volvo 960
To start off, 1994 Volvo 960 is newer by 20 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 2,473 cc (6 cylinders), 1994 Volvo 960 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1994 Volvo 960 (168 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 115 more horse power than 1974 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1994 Volvo 960 should accelerate faster than 1974 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1994 Volvo 960 weights approximately 550 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 1994 Volvo 960 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 1994 Volvo 960. 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, 1994 Volvo 960 (233 Nm @ 4550 RPM) has 137 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Renault 12. (96 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1994 Volvo 960 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Renault 12.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Renault 12 | 1994 Volvo 960 | |
| Make | Renault | Volvo |
| Model | 12 | 960 |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1994 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1289 cc | 2473 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 96 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4550 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 950 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2780 mm |
