1996 Chevrolet Impala vs. 1979 Renault 12
To start off, 1996 Chevrolet Impala is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Renault 12. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Renault 12 would be higher. At 5,733 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Chevrolet Impala is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Chevrolet Impala (256 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 203 more horse power than 1979 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Chevrolet Impala should accelerate faster than 1979 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Chevrolet Impala weights approximately 944 kg more than 1979 Renault 12. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 Chevrolet Impala 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 Chevrolet Impala. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 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 Chevrolet Impala (447 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 353 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Renault 12. (94 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 Chevrolet Impala will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Renault 12. 1996 Chevrolet Impala has automatic transmission and 1979 Renault 12 has manual transmission. 1979 Renault 12 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Chevrolet Impala will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Chevrolet Impala | 1979 Renault 12 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Renault |
| Model | Impala | 12 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5733 cc | 1289 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 256 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 447 Nm | 94 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.4 mm | 77 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 222 km/hour | 143 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1850 kg | 906 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 87 L | 56 L |
