1979 Renault 12 vs. 2012 Fiat Panda
To start off, 2012 Fiat Panda is newer by 33 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 1,289 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Renault 12 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, both vehicles can yield 53 horse power. So under normal driving conditions, the acceleration of both vehicles should be relatively similar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Fiat Panda weights approximately 9 kg more than 1979 Renault 12.
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 6 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Fiat Panda. (88 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 1979 Renault 12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Fiat Panda.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Renault 12 | 2012 Fiat Panda | |
| Make | Renault | Fiat |
| Model | 12 | Panda |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1289 cc | 1107 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 94 Nm | 88 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 73 mm | 70 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 143 km/hour | 150 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 906 kg | 915 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 3540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1600 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1550 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.2 L/100km | 5.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 56 L | 35 L |
