1978 Renault 12 vs. 2011 Kia Sportage
To start off, 2011 Kia Sportage is newer by 33 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 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Kia Sportage is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Kia Sportage (260 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 207 more horse power than 1978 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Kia Sportage should accelerate faster than 1978 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Kia Sportage weights approximately 552 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.
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, 2011 Kia Sportage (358 Nm @ 1850 RPM) has 262 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Renault 12. (96 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2011 Kia Sportage will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Renault 12. 2011 Kia Sportage has automatic transmission and 1978 Renault 12 has manual transmission. 1978 Renault 12 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Kia Sportage will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Renault 12 | 2011 Kia Sportage | |
| Make | Renault | Kia |
| Model | 12 | Sportage |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1289 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 260 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 96 Nm | 358 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1850 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 950 kg | 1502 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1854 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1636 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2639 mm |
