1978 Renault 4 vs. 2012 Toyota Tacoma
To start off, 2012 Toyota Tacoma is newer by 34 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 2,694 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Toyota Tacoma is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Toyota Tacoma (159 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 125 more horse power than 1978 Renault 4. (34 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Toyota Tacoma should accelerate faster than 1978 Renault 4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Toyota Tacoma weights approximately 969 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 2012 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 2012 Toyota Tacoma. 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, 2012 Toyota Tacoma (244 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 172 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Renault 4. (72 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2012 Toyota Tacoma will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Renault 4.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Renault 4 | 2012 Toyota Tacoma | |
| Make | Renault | Toyota |
| Model | 4 | Tacoma |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1108 cc | 2694 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 34 HP | 159 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 72 Nm | 244 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 715 kg | 1684 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 5290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1490 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1560 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 3250 mm |
