1987 Aston Martin V8 Volante vs. 1972 Renault 12
To start off, 1987 Aston Martin V8 Volante is newer by 15 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 5,341 cc (8 cylinders), 1987 Aston Martin V8 Volante is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Aston Martin V8 Volante (305 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 252 more horse power than 1972 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 Aston Martin V8 Volante should accelerate faster than 1972 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Aston Martin V8 Volante weights approximately 908 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 1987 Aston Martin V8 Volante 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 1987 Aston Martin V8 Volante. 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, 1987 Aston Martin V8 Volante (447 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 353 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Renault 12. (94 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1987 Aston Martin V8 Volante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Renault 12.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Aston Martin V8 Volante | 1972 Renault 12 | |
| Make | Aston Martin | Renault |
| Model | V8 Volante | 12 |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5341 cc | 1289 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 305 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 447 Nm | 94 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 100 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 77 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 241 km/hour | 143 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1814 kg | 906 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 97 L | 56 L |
