1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 vs. 1974 Renault 12
To start off, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 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 4,972 cc (8 cylinders), 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 (242 HP @ 4750 RPM) has 189 more horse power than 1974 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 should accelerate faster than 1974 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 weights approximately 590 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 Mercedes-Benz 500 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 Mercedes-Benz 500. 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 Mercedes-Benz 500 (401 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 305 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Renault 12. (96 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Renault 12. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 has automatic transmission and 1974 Renault 12 has manual transmission. 1974 Renault 12 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 | 1974 Renault 12 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Renault |
| Model | 500 | 12 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4972 cc | 1289 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 242 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 401 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1540 kg | 950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2450 mm |
