1977 Renault 12 vs. 1980 Vauxhall Chevette
To start off, 1980 Vauxhall Chevette is newer by 3 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 1,289 cc (4 cylinders), 1977 Renault 12 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Vauxhall Chevette (56 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1977 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Vauxhall Chevette should accelerate faster than 1977 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Renault 12 weights approximately 45 kg more than 1980 Vauxhall Chevette.
Because 1980 Vauxhall Chevette 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 1980 Vauxhall Chevette. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1977 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, 1977 Renault 12 (94 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Vauxhall Chevette. (92 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1977 Renault 12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Vauxhall Chevette.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 Renault 12 | 1980 Vauxhall Chevette | |
| Make | Renault | Vauxhall |
| Model | 12 | Chevette |
| Year Released | 1977 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1289 cc | 1256 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 56 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 94 Nm | 92 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 73.1 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77 mm | 61 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 8.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 900 kg | 855 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2400 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 56 L | 45 L |
