1974 Renault 12 vs. 2008 Volkswagen Sharan
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Sharan is newer by 34 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 1,895 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Sharan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Sharan (113 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 1974 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Sharan should accelerate faster than 1974 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Sharan weights approximately 368 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 2008 Volkswagen Sharan 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, 2008 Volkswagen Sharan 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, 2008 Volkswagen Sharan (310 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 214 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Renault 12. (96 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Sharan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Renault 12.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Renault 12 | 2008 Volkswagen Sharan | |
| Make | Renault | Volkswagen |
| Model | 12 | Sharan |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1289 cc | 1895 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 96 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 950 kg | 1318 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1740 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2850 mm |
