1966 Mercury Comet vs. 1974 Renault 12
To start off, 1974 Renault 12 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Mercury Comet. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Mercury Comet would be higher. At 6,393 cc (8 cylinders), 1966 Mercury Comet is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1966 Mercury Comet (267 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 214 more horse power than 1974 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1966 Mercury Comet should accelerate faster than 1974 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1966 Mercury Comet weights approximately 410 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 1966 Mercury Comet 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 1966 Mercury Comet. 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, 1966 Mercury Comet (546 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 450 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Renault 12. (96 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1966 Mercury Comet will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Renault 12.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Mercury Comet | 1974 Renault 12 | |
| Make | Mercury | Renault |
| Model | Comet | 12 |
| Year Released | 1966 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6393 cc | 1289 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 267 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 546 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1360 kg | 950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5180 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2450 mm |
