1959 Ford Zephyr vs. 1974 Renault 12
To start off, 1974 Renault 12 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Ford Zephyr. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Ford Zephyr would be higher. At 2,552 cc (6 cylinders), 1959 Ford Zephyr is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Ford Zephyr (72 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1974 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1959 Ford Zephyr should accelerate faster than 1974 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Ford Zephyr weights approximately 226 kg more than 1974 Renault 12. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 Ford Zephyr 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 1959 Ford Zephyr. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1974 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, 1959 Ford Zephyr (180 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 84 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Renault 12. (96 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1959 Ford Zephyr will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Renault 12.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Ford Zephyr | 1974 Renault 12 | |
| Make | Ford | Renault |
| Model | Zephyr | 12 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2552 cc | 1289 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1176 kg | 950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1520 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2450 mm |
