1981 Renault 5 vs. 2012 Toyota Highlander
To start off, 2012 Toyota Highlander is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Renault 5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Renault 5 would be higher. At 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Toyota Highlander is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Toyota Highlander (270 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 112 more horse power than 1981 Renault 5. (158 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Toyota Highlander should accelerate faster than 1981 Renault 5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Toyota Highlander weights approximately 880 kg more than 1981 Renault 5. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 Renault 5 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 1981 Renault 5. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Toyota Highlander, 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, 2012 Toyota Highlander (336 Nm @ 4700 RPM) has 115 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Renault 5. (221 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 2012 Toyota Highlander will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Renault 5.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Renault 5 | 2012 Toyota Highlander | |
| Make | Renault | Toyota |
| Model | 5 | Highlander |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1397 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 270 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 336 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1050 kg | 1930 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 4785 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2789 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 73 L |
