1974 Renault 12 vs. 1997 Volkswagen Fusca
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen Fusca is newer by 23 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 1,583 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Volkswagen Fusca is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Renault 12 (53 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Fusca. (52 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 Renault 12 should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Fusca. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Renault 12 weights approximately 130 kg more than 1997 Volkswagen Fusca. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1997 Volkswagen Fusca 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 1997 Volkswagen Fusca. 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, 1997 Volkswagen Fusca (105 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Renault 12. (96 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen Fusca will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Renault 12.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Renault 12 | 1997 Volkswagen Fusca | |
| Make | Renault | Volkswagen |
| Model | 12 | Fusca |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1289 cc | 1583 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 52 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 96 Nm | 105 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 950 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1550 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2410 mm |
