1960 Morgan Plus 4 vs. 1974 Renault 12
To start off, 1974 Renault 12 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1960 Morgan Plus 4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1960 Morgan Plus 4 would be higher. At 1,991 cc (4 cylinders), 1960 Morgan Plus 4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1960 Morgan Plus 4 (100 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1974 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1960 Morgan Plus 4 should accelerate faster than 1974 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Renault 12 weights approximately 125 kg more than 1960 Morgan Plus 4.
Because 1960 Morgan Plus 4 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 1960 Morgan Plus 4. 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, 1960 Morgan Plus 4 (165 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 69 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Renault 12. (96 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1960 Morgan Plus 4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Renault 12.
Compare all specifications:
| 1960 Morgan Plus 4 | 1974 Renault 12 | |
| Make | Morgan | Renault |
| Model | Plus 4 | 12 |
| Year Released | 1960 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 1289 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 825 kg | 950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3660 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2450 mm |
