1997 Fiat Punto vs. 1971 Renault 12
To start off, 1997 Fiat Punto is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Renault 12. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Renault 12 would be higher. At 1,289 cc (4 cylinders), 1971 Renault 12 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Fiat Punto (59 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1971 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Fiat Punto should accelerate faster than 1971 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Fiat Punto weights approximately 60 kg more than 1971 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 Fiat Punto (96 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Renault 12. (94 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1997 Fiat Punto will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Renault 12.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Fiat Punto | 1971 Renault 12 | |
| Make | Fiat | Renault |
| Model | Punto | 12 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1242 cc | 1289 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 96 Nm | 94 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 960 kg | 900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3770 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 56 L |
