1974 Renault 12 vs. 1995 Renault Sport Spider
To start off, 1995 Renault Sport Spider is newer by 21 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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1995 Renault Sport Spider is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Renault Sport Spider (144 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 91 more horse power than 1974 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1995 Renault Sport Spider should accelerate faster than 1974 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Renault 12 weights approximately 20 kg more than 1995 Renault Sport Spider.
Because 1995 Renault Sport Spider 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 1995 Renault Sport Spider. 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, 1995 Renault Sport Spider (181 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Renault 12. (96 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1995 Renault Sport Spider will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Renault 12.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Renault 12 | 1995 Renault Sport Spider | |
| Make | Renault | Renault |
| Model | 12 | Sport Spider |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1995 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1289 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 144 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 96 Nm | 181 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 950 kg | 930 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 3800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2410 mm |
