2009 Honda Element vs. 1973 Renault 12
To start off, 2009 Honda Element is newer by 36 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 2,354 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Honda Element is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Honda Element (166 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 113 more horse power than 1973 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Honda Element should accelerate faster than 1973 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Honda Element weights approximately 564 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.
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 Honda Element (218 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 124 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Renault 12. (94 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Honda Element will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Renault 12. 2009 Honda Element has automatic transmission and 1973 Renault 12 has manual transmission. 1973 Renault 12 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Honda Element will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Honda Element | 1973 Renault 12 | |
| Make | Honda | Renault |
| Model | Element | 12 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2354 cc | 1288 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 166 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 94 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96.9 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1464 kg | 900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.7 L/100km | 7.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 56 L |
