1978 Citroen Visa vs. 1979 Renault 12
To start off, 1979 Renault 12 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Citroen Visa. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Citroen Visa would be higher. At 1,289 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Renault 12 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Renault 12 (53 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1978 Citroen Visa. (35 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Renault 12 should accelerate faster than 1978 Citroen Visa. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Renault 12 weights approximately 172 kg more than 1978 Citroen Visa. 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, 1979 Renault 12 (94 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Citroen Visa. (51 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1979 Renault 12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Citroen Visa.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Citroen Visa | 1979 Renault 12 | |
| Make | Citroen | Renault |
| Model | Visa | 12 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 652 cc | 1289 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Horse Power | 35 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 51 Nm | 94 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 77 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 124 km/hour | 143 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 734 kg | 906 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 56 L |
