1979 Renault 12 vs. 2007 Volvo C30
To start off, 2007 Volvo C30 is newer by 28 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 2,521 cc (5 cylinders), 2007 Volvo C30 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Volvo C30 (217 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 164 more horse power than 1979 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Volvo C30 should accelerate faster than 1979 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Volvo C30 weights approximately 522 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, 2007 Volvo C30 (320 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 226 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Renault 12. (94 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2007 Volvo C30 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Renault 12.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Renault 12 | 2007 Volvo C30 | |
| Make | Renault | Volvo |
| Model | 12 | C30 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1289 cc | 2521 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 94 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 73 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77 mm | 93.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 143 km/hour | 240 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 906 kg | 1428 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.2 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 56 L | 62 L |
