1984 Pontiac Grand Am vs. 1974 Renault 12
To start off, 1984 Pontiac Grand Am is newer by 10 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 2,966 cc (6 cylinders), 1984 Pontiac Grand Am is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1984 Pontiac Grand Am (123 HP @ 4900 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1974 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1984 Pontiac Grand Am should accelerate faster than 1974 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 Pontiac Grand Am weights approximately 260 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.
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, 1984 Pontiac Grand Am (204 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 108 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Renault 12. (96 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1984 Pontiac Grand Am will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Renault 12. 1984 Pontiac Grand Am 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. 1984 Pontiac Grand Am will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Pontiac Grand Am | 1974 Renault 12 | |
| Make | Pontiac | Renault |
| Model | Grand Am | 12 |
| Year Released | 1984 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2966 cc | 1289 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 204 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1210 kg | 950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2450 mm |
