1988 Porsche 944 vs. 1969 Renault 12
To start off, 1988 Porsche 944 is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Renault 12. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Renault 12 would be higher. At 2,990 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Porsche 944 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Porsche 944 (208 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 149 more horse power than 1969 Renault 12. (59 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Porsche 944 should accelerate faster than 1969 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Porsche 944 weights approximately 456 kg more than 1969 Renault 12. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 Porsche 944 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 Porsche 944. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1969 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 Porsche 944 (281 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 183 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Renault 12. (98 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1988 Porsche 944 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Renault 12.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Porsche 944 | 1969 Renault 12 | |
| Make | Porsche | Renault |
| Model | 944 | 12 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1969 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2990 cc | 1288 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 281 Nm | 98 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 104 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.9:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1356 kg | 900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2390 mm | 2410 mm |
