1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 vs. 1974 Renault 12
To start off, 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Renault 12. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Renault 12 would be higher. At 4,973 cc (8 cylinders), 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 (326 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 273 more horse power than 1974 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 should accelerate faster than 1974 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 weights approximately 780 kg more than 1974 Renault 12. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 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 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1974 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, 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 (480 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 384 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Renault 12. (96 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Renault 12.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 | 1974 Renault 12 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Renault |
| Model | 500 | 12 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4973 cc | 1289 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 326 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 480 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1730 kg | 950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4750 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2450 mm |
