1996 Lancia Kappa vs. 1980 Renault 12
To start off, 1996 Lancia Kappa 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 2,451 cc (5 cylinders), 1996 Lancia Kappa is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Lancia Kappa (173 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 120 more horse power than 1980 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Lancia Kappa should accelerate faster than 1980 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Lancia Kappa weights approximately 620 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.
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 Lancia Kappa (230 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 136 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Renault 12. (94 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 Lancia Kappa will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Renault 12.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Lancia Kappa | 1980 Renault 12 | |
| Make | Lancia | Renault |
| Model | Kappa | 12 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2451 cc | 1288 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 173 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 94 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.1 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.4 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1520 kg | 900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4700 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2450 mm |
