1974 Renault 12 vs. 2009 Toyota Tacoma
To start off, 2009 Toyota Tacoma is newer by 35 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 2,694 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Toyota Tacoma is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Toyota Tacoma (160 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 107 more horse power than 1974 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Toyota Tacoma should accelerate faster than 1974 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Toyota Tacoma weights approximately 380 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 2009 Toyota Tacoma 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 2009 Toyota Tacoma. 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, 2009 Toyota Tacoma (244 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 148 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Renault 12. (96 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Toyota Tacoma will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Renault 12.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Renault 12 | 2009 Toyota Tacoma | |
| Make | Renault | Toyota |
| Model | 12 | Tacoma |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1289 cc | 2694 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 96 Nm | 244 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 950 kg | 1330 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 4840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2790 mm |
