1979 Renault 12 vs. 1988 Volvo 480
To start off, 1988 Volvo 480 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Renault 12. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Renault 12 would be higher. At 1,720 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Volvo 480 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Volvo 480 (118 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 1979 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Volvo 480 should accelerate faster than 1979 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Volvo 480 weights approximately 154 kg more than 1979 Renault 12. 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, 1988 Volvo 480 (175 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 81 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Renault 12. (94 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1988 Volvo 480 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Renault 12.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Renault 12 | 1988 Volvo 480 | |
| Make | Renault | Volvo |
| Model | 12 | 480 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1289 cc | 1720 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 94 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 73 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77 mm | 83.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 906 kg | 1060 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 56 L | 58 L |
