1996 Citroen XM vs. 1972 Renault 12
To start off, 1996 Citroen XM is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Renault 12. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Renault 12 would be higher. At 1,996 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Citroen XM is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Citroen XM (115 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 1972 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Citroen XM should accelerate faster than 1972 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Citroen XM weights approximately 374 kg more than 1972 Renault 12. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 Citroen XM (174 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Renault 12. (94 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 Citroen XM will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Renault 12.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Citroen XM | 1972 Renault 12 | |
| Make | Citroen | Renault |
| Model | XM | 12 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1996 cc | 1289 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 94 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 77 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 193 km/hour | 143 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 906 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.9 L/100km | 7.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 66 L | 56 L |
