1980 Bitter SC vs. 1974 Renault 12
To start off, 1980 Bitter SC is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Renault 12. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Renault 12 would be higher. At 2,968 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 Bitter SC is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Bitter SC (178 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 125 more horse power than 1974 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Bitter SC should accelerate faster than 1974 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Bitter SC weights approximately 400 kg more than 1974 Renault 12. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 Bitter SC is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1980 Bitter SC. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1974 Renault 12, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1980 Bitter SC (248 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 152 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Renault 12. (96 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1980 Bitter SC will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Renault 12.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Bitter SC | 1974 Renault 12 | |
| Make | Bitter | Renault |
| Model | SC | 12 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2968 cc | 1289 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 178 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 248 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1350 kg | 950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2450 mm |
