1974 Renault 12 vs. 2012 Mini Cooper Countryman
To start off, 2012 Mini Cooper Countryman is newer by 38 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 1,600 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Mini Cooper Countryman is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mini Cooper Countryman (181 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 128 more horse power than 1974 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mini Cooper Countryman should accelerate faster than 1974 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mini Cooper Countryman weights approximately 505 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 2012 Mini Cooper Countryman is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1974 Renault 12. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Mini Cooper Countryman 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, 2012 Mini Cooper Countryman (240 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 144 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Renault 12. (96 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Mini Cooper Countryman will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Renault 12.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Renault 12 | 2012 Mini Cooper Countryman | |
| Make | Renault | Mini |
| Model | 12 | Cooper Countryman |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1289 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 181 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 96 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 950 kg | 1455 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 4110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1788 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1562 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2596 mm |
