1970 Ford 17 vs. 1978 Renault 12
To start off, 1978 Renault 12 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Ford 17. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Ford 17 would be higher. At 1,498 cc (4 cylinders), 1970 Ford 17 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1970 Ford 17 (59 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1978 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1970 Ford 17 should accelerate faster than 1978 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Ford 17 weights approximately 175 kg more than 1978 Renault 12. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1970 Ford 17 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 1970 Ford 17. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 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, 1970 Ford 17 (112 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Renault 12. (94 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1970 Ford 17 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Renault 12.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Ford 17 | 1978 Renault 12 | |
| Make | Ford | Renault |
| Model | 17 | 12 |
| Year Released | 1970 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 1289 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 112 Nm | 94 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1075 kg | 900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 87 L | 56 L |
