1970 Mercury Marauder 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 Mercury Marauder. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Mercury Marauder would be higher. At 6,392 cc (8 cylinders), 1970 Mercury Marauder is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1970 Mercury Marauder (171 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 118 more horse power than 1974 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1970 Mercury Marauder should accelerate faster than 1974 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Mercury Marauder weights approximately 1045 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 Mercury Marauder 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 Mercury Marauder. 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 Mercury Marauder (383 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 287 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Renault 12. (96 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1970 Mercury Marauder will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Renault 12.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Mercury Marauder | 1974 Renault 12 | |
| Make | Mercury | Renault |
| Model | Marauder | 12 |
| Year Released | 1970 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6392 cc | 1289 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 383 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1995 kg | 950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5640 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3160 mm | 2450 mm |
