1978 Opel Rekord vs. 1974 Renault 12
To start off, 1978 Opel Rekord 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 2,260 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Opel Rekord is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Opel Rekord (64 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1974 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Opel Rekord should accelerate faster than 1974 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Opel Rekord weights approximately 305 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 Opel Rekord 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 Opel Rekord. 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 Opel Rekord (126 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Renault 12. (96 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1978 Opel Rekord will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Renault 12.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Opel Rekord | 1974 Renault 12 | |
| Make | Opel | Renault |
| Model | Rekord | 12 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2260 cc | 1289 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 64 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1255 kg | 950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4600 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2450 mm |
