1978 Aston Martin V8 Vantage vs. 1974 Renault 12
To start off, 1978 Aston Martin V8 Vantage is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Renault 12. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Renault 12 would be higher. At 5,340 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Aston Martin V8 Vantage is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Aston Martin V8 Vantage (549 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 496 more horse power than 1974 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Aston Martin V8 Vantage should accelerate faster than 1974 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Aston Martin V8 Vantage weights approximately 1040 kg more than 1974 Renault 12. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Aston Martin V8 Vantage 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 1978 Aston Martin V8 Vantage. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1974 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, 1978 Aston Martin V8 Vantage (745 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 649 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Renault 12. (96 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1978 Aston Martin V8 Vantage will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Renault 12.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Aston Martin V8 Vantage | 1974 Renault 12 | |
| Make | Aston Martin | Renault |
| Model | V8 Vantage | 12 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5340 cc | 1289 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 549 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 745 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1990 kg | 950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4610 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2450 mm |
