1978 Renault 12 vs. 2011 Toyota Tacoma
To start off, 2011 Toyota Tacoma 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 2,694 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Toyota Tacoma is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Toyota Tacoma (160 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 107 more horse power than 1978 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Toyota Tacoma should accelerate faster than 1978 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Toyota Tacoma weights approximately 430 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 2011 Toyota Tacoma 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 2011 Toyota Tacoma. 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, 2011 Toyota Tacoma (244 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 150 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Renault 12. (94 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2011 Toyota Tacoma will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Renault 12.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Renault 12 | 2011 Toyota Tacoma | |
| Make | Renault | Toyota |
| Model | 12 | Tacoma |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1289 cc | 2694 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 94 Nm | 244 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 3 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 900 kg | 1330 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2790 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.2 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 56 L | 79 L |
