1966 Morris Minor 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 Morris Minor. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Morris Minor would be higher. At 1,289 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Renault 12 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Renault 12 (53 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1966 Morris Minor. (47 HP @ 5100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Renault 12 should accelerate faster than 1966 Morris Minor. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Renault 12 weights approximately 150 kg more than 1966 Morris Minor. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1966 Morris Minor 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 Morris Minor. 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, 1974 Renault 12 (96 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Morris Minor. (81 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1974 Renault 12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Morris Minor.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Morris Minor | 1974 Renault 12 | |
| Make | Morris | Renault |
| Model | Minor | 12 |
| Year Released | 1966 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1098 cc | 1289 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 47 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 81 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 800 kg | 950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3770 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2190 mm | 2450 mm |
