1979 Renault 12 vs. 2010 Alfa Romeo 159
To start off, 2010 Alfa Romeo 159 is newer by 31 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 1,859 cc (4 cylinders), 2010 Alfa Romeo 159 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Alfa Romeo 159 (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 105 more horse power than 1979 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Alfa Romeo 159 should accelerate faster than 1979 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Alfa Romeo 159 weights approximately 655 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, 2010 Alfa Romeo 159 (190 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 94 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Renault 12. (96 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2010 Alfa Romeo 159 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Renault 12.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Renault 12 | 2010 Alfa Romeo 159 | |
| Make | Renault | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | 12 | 159 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1289 cc | 1859 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 96 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 950 kg | 1605 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2710 mm |
