1965 Ford Zodiac vs. 1973 Renault 12
To start off, 1973 Renault 12 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1965 Ford Zodiac. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1965 Ford Zodiac would be higher. At 2,553 cc (6 cylinders), 1965 Ford Zodiac is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1965 Ford Zodiac (108 HP @ 4750 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1973 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1965 Ford Zodiac should accelerate faster than 1973 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1965 Ford Zodiac weights approximately 370 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.
Because 1965 Ford Zodiac 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 1965 Ford Zodiac. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1973 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, 1965 Ford Zodiac (190 Nm @ 2900 RPM) has 96 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Renault 12. (94 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1965 Ford Zodiac will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Renault 12.
Compare all specifications:
| 1965 Ford Zodiac | 1973 Renault 12 | |
| Make | Ford | Renault |
| Model | Zodiac | 12 |
| Year Released | 1965 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2553 cc | 1288 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 94 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2900 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1270 kg | 900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4650 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 56 L |
