1989 Porsche 911 vs. 1973 Renault 12
To start off, 1989 Porsche 911 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Renault 12. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Renault 12 would be higher. At 3,600 cc (6 cylinders), 1989 Porsche 911 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Porsche 911 (247 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 194 more horse power than 1973 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Porsche 911 should accelerate faster than 1973 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Porsche 911 weights approximately 435 kg more than 1973 Renault 12. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1989 Porsche 911 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 1989 Porsche 911. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1973 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, 1989 Porsche 911 (317 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 223 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Renault 12. (94 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1989 Porsche 911 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Renault 12.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Porsche 911 | 1973 Renault 12 | |
| Make | Porsche | Renault |
| Model | 911 | 12 |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 3600 cc | 1288 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Horse Power | 247 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 317 Nm | 94 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 100 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.4 mm | 77 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1335 kg | 900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4260 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.3 L/100km | 7.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 77 L | 56 L |
