1977 Renault 12 vs. 1978 Toyota Tercel
To start off, 1978 Toyota Tercel is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Renault 12. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Renault 12 would be higher. At 1,452 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Toyota Tercel is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Toyota Tercel (62 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1977 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Toyota Tercel should accelerate faster than 1977 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Renault 12 weights approximately 30 kg more than 1978 Toyota Tercel.
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, 1978 Toyota Tercel (102 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Renault 12. (94 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1978 Toyota Tercel will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Renault 12.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 Renault 12 | 1978 Toyota Tercel | |
| Make | Renault | Toyota |
| Model | 12 | Tercel |
| Year Released | 1977 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1289 cc | 1452 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 62 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 94 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 900 kg | 870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 3970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2510 mm |
