1998 Ferrari 355 Spider vs. 1973 Renault 12
To start off, 1998 Ferrari 355 Spider is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Renault 12. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Renault 12 would be higher. At 3,494 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Ferrari 355 Spider is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Ferrari 355 Spider (375 HP @ 8250 RPM) has 322 more horse power than 1973 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ferrari 355 Spider should accelerate faster than 1973 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Ferrari 355 Spider weights approximately 790 kg more than 1973 Renault 12. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 Ferrari 355 Spider is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1998 Ferrari 355 Spider. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1973 Renault 12, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1998 Ferrari 355 Spider (363 Nm) has 269 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Renault 12. (94 Nm). This means 1998 Ferrari 355 Spider will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Renault 12.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ferrari 355 Spider | 1973 Renault 12 | |
| Make | Ferrari | Renault |
| Model | 355 Spider | 12 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3494 cc | 1288 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 375 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8250 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 363 Nm | 94 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 85.1 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 294 km/hour | 143 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4260 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 110 L | 56 L |
