1974 Renault 12 vs. 1999 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1999 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 25 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 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Volkswagen Golf (114 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 1974 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1974 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 502 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 1999 Volkswagen Golf 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, 1999 Volkswagen Golf 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, 1999 Volkswagen Golf (320 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 224 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Renault 12. (96 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1999 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Renault 12. 1999 Volkswagen Golf 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. 1999 Volkswagen Golf will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Renault 12 | 1999 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Renault | Volkswagen |
| Model | 12 | Golf |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1289 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 96 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 950 kg | 1452 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2410 mm |
