1978 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight vs. 1974 Renault 12
To start off, 1978 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight 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 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight (133 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 1974 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight should accelerate faster than 1974 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight weights approximately 775 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 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight 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 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight. 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 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight (325 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 229 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Renault 12. (96 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1978 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Renault 12. 1978 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight has automatic transmission and 1974 Renault 12 has manual transmission. 1974 Renault 12 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight | 1974 Renault 12 | |
| Make | Oldsmobile | Renault |
| Model | Eighty-Eight | 12 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 1289 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 133 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 325 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1725 kg | 950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5550 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2960 mm | 2450 mm |
