1970 Ford Falcon 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 Falcon. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Ford Falcon would be higher. At 5,763 cc (8 cylinders), 1970 Ford Falcon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1970 Ford Falcon (247 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 194 more horse power than 1974 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1970 Ford Falcon should accelerate faster than 1974 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Ford Falcon weights approximately 514 kg more than 1974 Renault 12. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1970 Ford Falcon 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 Falcon. 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 Falcon (482 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 386 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Renault 12. (96 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1970 Ford Falcon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Renault 12.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Ford Falcon | 1974 Renault 12 | |
| Make | Ford | Renault |
| Model | Falcon | 12 |
| Year Released | 1970 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5763 cc | 1289 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 247 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 482 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1464 kg | 950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4690 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2450 mm |
