Renault 14
The innovative French hatchback famously compared to a pear.
- Power
- 58 bhp
- 0–60 mph
- 14.9 s
- Top speed
- 89 mph
- Est. value
- $650–$8k
About the Renault 14
Launched in 1976 to compete with the Volkswagen Golf, the Renault 14 was a technically advanced small family car featuring a transverse-mounted 'suitcase engine' shared with Peugeot. Its rounded, aerodynamic styling was intended to maximise interior space, though it became infamous due to a disastrous marketing campaign that compared the car's shape to a pear. Despite the advertising blunder and early rust issues, it offered a comfortable ride and a highly practical interior with removable rear seats. Today, it is a rare sight on European roads, gaining status as a quirky and significant piece of French automotive history.
Renault 14 specs
The Renault 14 produces 58 bhp (43 kW) and 93 Nm (69 lb-ft) of torque. It reaches 60 mph in 14.9 seconds and has a top speed of 89 mph (143 km/h).
| Make | Renault |
|---|---|
| Model | 14 |
| Trim | 1.2 TL |
| Years | 1976–1983 |
| Type | Hatchback |
| Body style | Hatchback |
| Country | France |
| Engine | 1.2-litre inline-4 |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,218 cc (1.2 litres) |
| Induction | Naturally aspirated |
| Power | 58 bhp (43 kW) at 5,500 rpm |
| Torque | 93 Nm (69 lb-ft) |
| Redline | 6,000 rpm |
| 0–60 mph | 14.9 s |
| Top speed | 89 mph (143 km/h) |
| Transmission | 4-speed manual |
| Drivetrain | Front-wheel drive |
| Weight | 833 kg (1,836 lb) |
| Power-to-weight | 70 bhp per tonne |
Typical figures for the standard car; options, markets and model years vary. Where our specs come from
How much is a Renault 14 worth?
A typical Renault 14 is estimated to be worth $650 – $7,800 (about £485 – £5,800).
Values are directional estimates for a typical example, not appraisals. Condition, mileage, history and specification all change what a real car is worth. Pound figures use the exchange rate of 3 November 2026. How values are estimated
Renault 14 rarity in CarSpot
The Renault 14 is an Uncommon card in CarSpot, with a rarity score of 19 out of 100. Hot hatches and premium sporty cars. An Uncommon card is worth 20 XP.
Each model's tier starts from a 0–100 score based on its value plus its power or production numbers. Once enough players have spotted a model, how often it is spotted can move it up or down one tier. How CarSpot rarity works
Rarity is a collectible game mechanic, not an assessment of real-world scarcity or value.
Renault 14 fun facts
- The 14 was the only Renault to use the 'Suitcase Engine', a Peugeot-designed unit where the transmission shared the engine's oil in the sump.
- Renault's 1977 advertising campaign comparing the car to a pear is widely considered one of the biggest marketing failures in French history, severely damaging sales.
- The car featured an unusual wheelbase that was longer on the left side than the right, a result of the rear torsion bar suspension design.