1978 Renault 4 vs. 1970 Volkswagen 411
To start off, 1978 Renault 4 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Volkswagen 411. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Volkswagen 411 would be higher. At 1,679 cc (4 cylinders), 1970 Volkswagen 411 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1970 Volkswagen 411 (80 HP @ 4900 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 1978 Renault 4. (34 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1970 Volkswagen 411 should accelerate faster than 1978 Renault 4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Volkswagen 411 weights approximately 435 kg more than 1978 Renault 4. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1970 Volkswagen 411 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 1970 Volkswagen 411. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Renault 4, 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, 1970 Volkswagen 411 (131 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 73 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Renault 4. (58 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1970 Volkswagen 411 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Renault 4.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Renault 4 | 1970 Volkswagen 411 | |
| Make | Renault | Volkswagen |
| Model | 4 | 411 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1970 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 845 cc | 1679 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 34 HP | 80 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Torque | 58 Nm | 131 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 58 mm | 90.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 66 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 8.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 660 kg | 1095 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1490 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1560 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 50 L |
