1968 Mercury Montclair vs. 1972 Renault 12
To start off, 1972 Renault 12 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Mercury Montclair. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Mercury Montclair would be higher. At 6,393 cc (8 cylinders), 1968 Mercury Montclair is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Mercury Montclair (267 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 214 more horse power than 1972 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1968 Mercury Montclair should accelerate faster than 1972 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Mercury Montclair weights approximately 1092 kg more than 1972 Renault 12. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1968 Mercury Montclair 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 Mercury Montclair. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1972 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 Mercury Montclair (546 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 452 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Renault 12. (94 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1968 Mercury Montclair will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Renault 12.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Mercury Montclair | 1972 Renault 12 | |
| Make | Mercury | Renault |
| Model | Montclair | 12 |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1972 |
| 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 | 94 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 103 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 77 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1998 kg | 906 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3130 mm | 2440 mm |
