1985 Alfa Romeo 90 vs. 1972 Renault 12
To start off, 1985 Alfa Romeo 90 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Renault 12. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Renault 12 would be higher. At 2,492 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Alfa Romeo 90 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Alfa Romeo 90 (109 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 1972 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 Alfa Romeo 90 should accelerate faster than 1972 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Alfa Romeo 90 weights approximately 344 kg more than 1972 Renault 12. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1985 Alfa Romeo 90 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 1985 Alfa Romeo 90. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1972 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, 1985 Alfa Romeo 90 (246 Nm @ 2300 RPM) has 152 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Renault 12. (94 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1985 Alfa Romeo 90 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Renault 12.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Alfa Romeo 90 | 1972 Renault 12 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Renault |
| Model | 90 | 12 |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2492 cc | 1289 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 246 Nm | 94 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 77 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 178 km/hour | 143 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 906 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.4 L/100km | 7.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 49 L | 56 L |
