1979 Renault 12 vs. 1965 Trabant Universal
To start off, 1979 Renault 12 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1965 Trabant Universal. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1965 Trabant Universal would be higher. At 1,289 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Renault 12 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Renault 12 (53 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1965 Trabant Universal. (23 HP @ 3900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Renault 12 should accelerate faster than 1965 Trabant Universal. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Renault 12 weights approximately 246 kg more than 1965 Trabant Universal. 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, 1979 Renault 12 (94 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 1965 Trabant Universal. (51 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 1979 Renault 12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1965 Trabant Universal.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Renault 12 | 1965 Trabant Universal | |
| Make | Renault | Trabant |
| Model | 12 | Universal |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1965 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1289 cc | 595 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 23 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Torque | 94 Nm | 51 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 73 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77 mm | 73 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 906 kg | 660 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 3370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1500 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2030 mm |
