1972 Mercury Comet vs. 1974 Renault 12
To start off, 1974 Renault 12 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Mercury Comet. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Mercury Comet would be higher. At 2,780 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 Mercury Comet is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Mercury Comet (82 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1974 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Mercury Comet should accelerate faster than 1974 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Mercury Comet weights approximately 270 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 1972 Mercury Comet 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 1972 Mercury Comet. 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, 1972 Mercury Comet (178 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 82 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Renault 12. (96 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1972 Mercury Comet will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Renault 12.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Mercury Comet | 1974 Renault 12 | |
| Make | Mercury | Renault |
| Model | Comet | 12 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2780 cc | 1289 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 82 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 178 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1220 kg | 950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4800 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2450 mm |
