1968 Ford Escort vs. 1974 Renault 12
To start off, 1974 Renault 12 is newer by 6 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 1,289 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Renault 12 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Ford Escort (54 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1974 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1968 Ford Escort should accelerate faster than 1974 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 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, 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 1968 Ford Escort. (81 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1974 Renault 12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Ford Escort | 1974 Renault 12 | |
| Make | Ford | Renault |
| Model | Escort | 12 |
| Year Released | 1968 | 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 | 54 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 81 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| 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 |
