1976 Renault 12 vs. 2009 Seat Leon
To start off, 2009 Seat Leon is newer by 33 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 1,983 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Seat Leon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Seat Leon (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 95 more horse power than 1976 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Seat Leon should accelerate faster than 1976 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Seat Leon weights approximately 354 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, 2009 Seat Leon (200 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 106 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Renault 12. (94 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Seat Leon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Renault 12.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Renault 12 | 2009 Seat Leon | |
| Make | Renault | Seat |
| Model | 12 | Leon |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1289 cc | 1983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 94 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 73 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 11.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 143 km/hour | 210 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 906 kg | 1260 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.2 L/100km | 8.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 56 L | 55 L |
