1976 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight vs. 1974 Renault 12
To start off, 1976 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight is newer by 2 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 5,736 cc (8 cylinders), 1976 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight (161 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 108 more horse power than 1974 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1976 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight should accelerate faster than 1974 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight weights approximately 985 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 1976 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight 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 1976 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. 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, 1976 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight (380 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 284 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Renault 12. (96 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1976 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Renault 12. 1976 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight 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. 1976 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight | 1974 Renault 12 | |
| Make | Oldsmobile | Renault |
| Model | Ninety-Eight | 12 |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5736 cc | 1289 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 161 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 380 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1935 kg | 950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5900 mm | 4410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3230 mm | 2450 mm |
