1981 Honda Civic vs. 1974 Renault 12
To start off, 1981 Honda Civic is newer by 7 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 1,333 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Honda Civic (59 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1974 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1974 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Renault 12 weights approximately 165 kg more than 1981 Honda Civic.
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, 1974 Renault 12 (96 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Honda Civic. (93 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1974 Renault 12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Honda Civic | 1974 Renault 12 | |
| Make | Honda | Renault |
| Model | Civic | 12 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1333 cc | 1289 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 93 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 785 kg | 950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3770 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2330 mm | 2450 mm |
