1993 Aston Martin Virage vs. 1973 Renault 12
To start off, 1993 Aston Martin Virage is newer by 20 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 5,340 cc (8 cylinders), 1993 Aston Martin Virage is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1993 Aston Martin Virage (344 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 291 more horse power than 1973 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1993 Aston Martin Virage should accelerate faster than 1973 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1993 Aston Martin Virage weights approximately 1100 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 1993 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 1993 Aston Martin Virage. 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, 1993 Aston Martin Virage (451 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 357 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Renault 12. (94 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1993 Aston Martin Virage will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Renault 12. 1993 Aston Martin Virage has automatic transmission and 1973 Renault 12 has manual transmission. 1973 Renault 12 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1993 Aston Martin Virage will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1993 Aston Martin Virage | 1973 Renault 12 | |
| Make | Aston Martin | Renault |
| Model | Virage | 12 |
| Year Released | 1993 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5340 cc | 1288 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 | 451 Nm | 94 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2000 kg | 900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4750 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1440 mm |
