1997 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1979 Renault 12
To start off, 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 18 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 2,492 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 (187 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 134 more horse power than 1979 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1979 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 414 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.
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, 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 (222 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 128 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Renault 12. (94 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Renault 12.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1979 Renault 12 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Renault |
| Model | 156 | 12 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2492 cc | 1289 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 94 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 68.3 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 230 km/hour | 143 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1320 kg | 906 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.4 L/100km | 7.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 56 L |
