1993 Nissan Serena vs. 1977 Renault 12
To start off, 1993 Nissan Serena is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Renault 12. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Renault 12 would be higher. At 1,597 cc (4 cylinders), 1993 Nissan Serena is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1993 Nissan Serena (96 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 1977 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1993 Nissan Serena should accelerate faster than 1977 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1993 Nissan Serena weights approximately 435 kg more than 1977 Renault 12. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1993 Nissan Serena 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 Nissan Serena. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1977 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 Nissan Serena (131 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Renault 12. (96 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1993 Nissan Serena will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Renault 12.
Compare all specifications:
| 1993 Nissan Serena | 1977 Renault 12 | |
| Make | Nissan | Renault |
| Model | Serena | 12 |
| Year Released | 1993 | 1977 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 1289 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 96 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 131 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2450 mm |
