1978 Renault 12 vs. 1979 Seat 131
To start off, 1979 Seat 131 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Renault 12. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Renault 12 would be higher. At 2,445 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Seat 131 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Seat 131 (71 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1978 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Seat 131 should accelerate faster than 1978 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Seat 131 weights approximately 240 kg more than 1978 Renault 12. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Seat 131 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 1979 Seat 131. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 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, 1979 Seat 131 (149 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Renault 12. (96 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1979 Seat 131 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Renault 12.
Compare all specifications:
1978 Renault 12 | 1979 Seat 131 | |
Make | Renault | Seat |
Model | 12 | 131 |
Year Released | 1978 | 1979 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1289 cc | 2445 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 53 HP | 71 HP |
Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 4200 RPM |
Torque | 96 Nm | 149 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 950 kg | 1190 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 4270 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1660 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1370 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2500 mm |