1976 Renault 12 vs. 1982 Renault 18
To start off, 1982 Renault 18 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Renault 12. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Renault 12 would be higher. At 1,645 cc (4 cylinders), 1982 Renault 18 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1982 Renault 18 (78 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1976 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1982 Renault 18 should accelerate faster than 1976 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Renault 18 weights approximately 119 kg more than 1976 Renault 12. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1982 Renault 18 (136 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Renault 12. (94 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1982 Renault 18 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Renault 12.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Renault 12 | 1982 Renault 18 | |
| Make | Renault | Renault |
| Model | 12 | 18 |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1982 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1289 cc | 1645 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 78 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 94 Nm | 136 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 73 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77 mm | 83.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 906 kg | 1025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1410 mm |
