1996 Kia Retona vs. 1980 Renault 12
To start off, 1996 Kia Retona is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Renault 12. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Renault 12 would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Kia Retona is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Kia Retona (90 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1980 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Kia Retona should accelerate faster than 1980 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Kia Retona weights approximately 970 kg more than 1980 Renault 12. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 Kia Retona is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1980 Renault 12. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Kia Retona 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 Kia Retona (205 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 111 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Renault 12. (94 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 Kia Retona will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Renault 12.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Kia Retona | 1980 Renault 12 | |
| Make | Kia | Renault |
| Model | Retona | 12 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1288 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 205 Nm | 94 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 77 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1870 kg | 900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1840 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2370 mm | 2450 mm |
