1974 Renault 12 vs. 1998 Toyota RAV4
To start off, 1998 Toyota RAV4 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 Toyota RAV4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Toyota RAV4 (126 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 73 more horse power than 1974 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Toyota RAV4 should accelerate faster than 1974 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Toyota RAV4 weights approximately 350 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 1998 Toyota RAV4 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1974 Renault 12. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Toyota RAV4 will offer significantly more control. 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 Toyota RAV4 (172 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 76 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Renault 12. (96 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1998 Toyota RAV4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Renault 12.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Renault 12 | 1998 Toyota RAV4 | |
| Make | Renault | Toyota |
| Model | 12 | RAV4 |
| 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 | 126 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 96 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 950 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 3760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1660 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2450 mm |
