| Production | |
|---|---|
| Model Year: | 1969 |
| Production Years: | 1969 - 1980 discontinued in 1980 |
Precise measurements of the 1969 Renault 12, engineered for optimal performance and comfort
| Weight Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Curb Weight: | 950 kg2094 lbs |
| Tire Specifications | |
| Tire Size: | 155/80 R13 (W:155 | H:80 | D:13) |
The Renault 12, produced between 1969 and 1980, represents a hallmark in Renault's lineup as a compact sedan designed for practicality and comfort. Weighing in at a curb weight of 950 kg (approximately 2,094 lbs), this generation focused on efficiency and ease of driving in urban and suburban environments. While specific external dimensions such as length, width, and height are not provided here, the Renault 12 is renowned for its balanced proportions typical of compact sedans of its era, offering sufficient interior space without compromising maneuverability.
Equipped with tire sizes of 155/80 R13, the Renault 12 ensured a smooth ride and competent road handling, aligning well with the vehicle's lightweight build. The use of 13-inch wheels was consistent with the car's overall compact footprint, supporting both durability and economy.
The 1969 Renault 12 sedan stood out in the automotive market by merging reliable mechanical components with a user-friendly driving experience. Its moderate curb weight contributed positively to fuel economy while maintaining adequate traction and stability. As a four-door family sedan, the Renault 12 balanced everyday usability with the reliability associated with Renault vehicles of the time.
This generation appeals to classic car enthusiasts and those interested in automotive history, especially in the context of European car design during the 1970s. The Renault 12 remains a relevant subject for car size comparison studies, illustrating how compact sedans of its decade prioritized lightweight construction and practical dimensions to serve typical driving needs.
Discover the standout features that make the 1969 Renault 12 a leader in its class
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The Renault 12 sedan produced from 1969 to 1980 measures approximately 4,320 mm (170 inches) in length, 1,635 mm (64.4 inches) in width, and around 1,425 mm (56 inches) in height. These dimensions positioned the Renault 12 as a compact family sedan, offering a balanced combination of interior space and maneuverability for its era.
The Renault 12 has a curb weight of about 950 kg (2,094 lbs), making it relatively light and efficient for its size and era. It comes equipped with tire sizes 155/80 R13, meaning it has tires with a width of 155 mm, an aspect ratio of 80%, and fits 13-inch diameter wheels. These specifications supported a comfortable and stable ride.
Generally, the Renault 12 fits comfortably into a standard residential garage. Its length of roughly 4.32 meters (170 inches) and width of around 1.64 meters (64.4 inches) makes it compatible with typical garage spaces, which are commonly about 5.5-6 meters (18-20 feet) in length and 2.4 meters (8 feet) in width. This means owners can park and store the vehicle indoors without spatial concerns.
The Renault 12 replaced the Renault 10 and saw a slight increase in size to provide more interior space and improved comfort. The Renault 10 was shorter and narrower, measuring approximately 4,100 mm in length (161 inches) and about 1,565 mm in width (61.6 inches). The Renault 12 grew to 4,320 mm (170 inches) long and 1,635 mm (64.4 inches) wide, enhancing passenger room and trunk capacity, making it more practical as a family car.
Compared with similar compact sedans of its time, such as the Volkswagen Passat (introduced in 1973) and Ford Cortina Mk3 (late 1970s), the Renault 12 was quite competitive in dimensions. For example, the Passat measured roughly 4,230 mm in length (166.5 inches) and about 1,615 mm (63.6 inches) wide, very close to the Renault 12’s dimensions. The Cortina Mk3 was slightly larger overall. The Renault 12 struck a balance between compactness and passenger space in the competitive family sedan market.
Designed as a practical family sedan, the Renault 12 offers a spacious cabin for its segment and time. The interior provides comfortable seating for five adults, with ample headroom and legroom facilitated by its relatively tall height of around 1,425 mm (56 inches). Its longer wheelbase relative to predecessors improved front and rear passenger comfort, making it suitable for city driving as well as longer journeys.
The Renault 12 offers a reasonably sized trunk for a compact sedan of its era, with a capacity estimated around 410 liters (14.5 cubic feet). This was sufficient for typical family needs, such as groceries, luggage, or small to medium-sized cargo. The relatively squared design allowed practical use of space, and rear seats could typically be folded to increase cargo volume.
The Renault 12 has a ground clearance of approximately 140 mm (5.5 inches), which was adequate for everyday urban and suburban roads. This clearance helped the vehicle handle speed bumps and minor obstacles without sacrificing ride quality, but it was not designed for off-road use. The balance made it practical for most driving conditions encountered by typical family vehicles at the time.
The Renault 12 came with several engine options over its production life, most notably a 1.3L and 1.4L inline-4 engine, designed to prioritize fuel economy and reliability. Fuel efficiency typically ranged from about 8 to 11 liters per 100 km (21 to 28 miles per gallon) depending on engine version and driving conditions. Its lightweight build and aerodynamic profile further contributed to economic daily driving.
With a curb weight of approximately 950 kg (2,094 lbs), the Renault 12 was relatively light compared to many contemporaries. This lower weight helped improve fuel efficiency, allowed nimble handling, and contributed to a smoother ride. The lighter mass meant braking distances were reasonable and suspension tuning could achieve a balanced compromise between comfort and control, making it a practical and enjoyable car for both city and highway use.
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