1983 Chevrolet Caprice vs. 1974 Renault 12
To start off, 1983 Chevrolet Caprice is newer by 9 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 3,753 cc (6 cylinders), 1983 Chevrolet Caprice is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Chevrolet Caprice (114 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 1974 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1983 Chevrolet Caprice should accelerate faster than 1974 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Chevrolet Caprice weights approximately 630 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 1983 Chevrolet Caprice 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 1983 Chevrolet Caprice. 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, 1983 Chevrolet Caprice (237 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 141 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Renault 12. (96 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1983 Chevrolet Caprice will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Renault 12. 1983 Chevrolet Caprice 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. 1983 Chevrolet Caprice will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Chevrolet Caprice | 1974 Renault 12 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Renault |
| Model | Caprice | 12 |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3753 cc | 1289 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 237 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1580 kg | 950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5390 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2450 mm |
