1968 Ford Escort vs. 1973 Renault 12
To start off, 1973 Renault 12 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,298 cc (4 cylinders), 1968 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Ford Escort (56 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1973 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1968 Ford Escort should accelerate faster than 1973 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Renault 12 weights approximately 145 kg more than 1968 Ford Escort.
Because 1968 Ford Escort 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 1968 Ford Escort. 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, 1968 Ford Escort (98 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Renault 12. (96 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1968 Ford Escort will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Renault 12.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Ford Escort | 1973 Renault 12 | |
| Make | Ford | Renault |
| Model | Escort | 12 |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 1288 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 98 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 805 kg | 950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2450 mm |
