1970 Ford Escort vs. 1974 Renault 12
To start off, 1974 Renault 12 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,599 cc (4 cylinders), 1970 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1970 Ford Escort (120 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 1974 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1970 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 165 kg more than 1970 Ford Escort.
Because 1970 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 1970 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, 1970 Ford Escort (148 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 52 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Renault 12. (96 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1970 Ford Escort will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Renault 12.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Ford Escort | 1974 Renault 12 | |
| Make | Ford | Renault |
| Model | Escort | 12 |
| Year Released | 1970 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1599 cc | 1289 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 785 kg | 950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2450 mm |
