1978 Renault 4 vs. 2011 Volkswagen T5
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen T5 is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Renault 4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Renault 4 would be higher. At 2,459 cc (5 cylinders), 2011 Volkswagen T5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Volkswagen T5 (172 HP @ 3500 RPM) has 138 more horse power than 1978 Renault 4. (34 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Volkswagen T5 should accelerate faster than 1978 Renault 4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Volkswagen T5 weights approximately 509 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.
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 Volkswagen T5 (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 328 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Renault 4. (72 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2011 Volkswagen T5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Renault 4.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Renault 4 | 2011 Volkswagen T5 | |
| Make | Renault | Volkswagen |
| Model | 4 | T5 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1108 cc | 2459 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 34 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 72 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 715 kg | 1224 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 4900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1490 mm | 2000 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1560 mm | 1910 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 3010 mm |
