1996 Caterham 7 vs. 1969 Renault 12
To start off, 1996 Caterham 7 is newer by 27 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 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Caterham 7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Caterham 7 (138 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 1969 Renault 12. (59 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1969 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1969 Renault 12 weights approximately 422 kg more than 1996 Caterham 7.
Because 1996 Caterham 7 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 1996 Caterham 7. 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, 1996 Caterham 7 (156 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 58 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Renault 12. (98 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1996 Caterham 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Renault 12.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Caterham 7 | 1969 Renault 12 | |
| Make | Caterham | Renault |
| Model | 7 | 12 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1969 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1288 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 156 Nm | 98 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 478 kg | 900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 36 L | 60 L |
