1977 Renault 12 vs. 2012 Mazda 3
To start off, 2012 Mazda 3 is newer by 35 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 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mazda 3 (148 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 95 more horse power than 1977 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 1977 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mazda 3 weights approximately 400 kg more than 1977 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, 2012 Mazda 3 (183 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 89 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Renault 12. (94 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Renault 12. 2012 Mazda 3 has automatic transmission and 1977 Renault 12 has manual transmission. 1977 Renault 12 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mazda 3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 Renault 12 | 2012 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Renault | Mazda |
| Model | 12 | 3 |
| Year Released | 1977 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1289 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 94 Nm | 183 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 900 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2639 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 56 L | 55 L |
