1974 Renault 12 vs. 1998 Renault Safrane
To start off, 1998 Renault Safrane is newer by 24 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), 1998 Renault Safrane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Renault Safrane (141 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 88 more horse power than 1974 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Renault Safrane should accelerate faster than 1974 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Renault Safrane weights approximately 575 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, 1998 Renault Safrane (200 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 104 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Renault 12. (96 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1998 Renault Safrane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Renault 12. 1998 Renault Safrane 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. 1998 Renault Safrane will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Renault 12 | 1998 Renault Safrane | |
| Make | Renault | Renault |
| Model | 12 | Safrane |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1289 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 96 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 950 kg | 1525 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2770 mm |
