1988 Aston Martin Virage vs. 1979 Renault 12
To start off, 1988 Aston Martin Virage is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Renault 12. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Renault 12 would be higher. At 5,338 cc (8 cylinders), 1988 Aston Martin Virage is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Aston Martin Virage (344 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 291 more horse power than 1979 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Aston Martin Virage should accelerate faster than 1979 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Aston Martin Virage weights approximately 1014 kg more than 1979 Renault 12. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 Aston Martin Virage 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 1988 Aston Martin Virage. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 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, 1988 Aston Martin Virage (450 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 356 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Renault 12. (94 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1988 Aston Martin Virage will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Renault 12.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Aston Martin Virage | 1979 Renault 12 | |
| Make | Aston Martin | Renault |
| Model | Virage | 12 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5338 cc | 1289 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 344 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 450 Nm | 94 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 100 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 253 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 | 1920 kg | 906 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 105 L | 56 L |
