1996 Honda Step Wagon vs. 1974 Renault 12
To start off, 1996 Honda Step Wagon is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Renault 12. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Renault 12 would be higher. At 1,972 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Honda Step Wagon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Honda Step Wagon (123 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1974 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Honda Step Wagon should accelerate faster than 1974 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Honda Step Wagon weights approximately 500 kg more than 1974 Renault 12. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 Honda Step Wagon is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1974 Renault 12. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Honda Step Wagon will offer significantly more control. 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 Honda Step Wagon (185 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 89 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Renault 12. (96 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 Honda Step Wagon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Renault 12. 1996 Honda Step Wagon has automatic transmission and 1974 Renault 12 has manual transmission. 1974 Renault 12 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Honda Step Wagon will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda Step Wagon | 1974 Renault 12 | |
| Make | Honda | Renault |
| Model | Step Wagon | 12 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1972 cc | 1289 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 185 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4610 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1840 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2450 mm |
