2009 Dodge Caliber vs. 1980 Renault 12
To start off, 2009 Dodge Caliber is newer by 29 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), 2009 Dodge Caliber is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Dodge Caliber (154 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 101 more horse power than 1980 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Dodge Caliber should accelerate faster than 1980 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Dodge Caliber weights approximately 525 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, 2009 Dodge Caliber (190 Nm @ 5100 RPM) has 96 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Renault 12. (94 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Dodge Caliber will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Renault 12. 2009 Dodge Caliber has automatic transmission and 1980 Renault 12 has manual transmission. 1980 Renault 12 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Dodge Caliber will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Dodge Caliber | 1980 Renault 12 | |
| Make | Dodge | Renault |
| Model | Caliber | 12 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 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 | 154 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 94 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5100 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 181 km/hour | 143 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1425 kg | 900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4420 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.1 L/100km | 7.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 56 L |
