1973 Austin 1800 vs. 1970 Ford 12 M
To start off, 1973 Austin 1800 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Ford 12 M. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Ford 12 M would be higher. At 1,799 cc (4 cylinders), 1973 Austin 1800 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Austin 1800 (86 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1970 Ford 12 M. (49 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 Austin 1800 should accelerate faster than 1970 Ford 12 M. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Austin 1800 weights approximately 340 kg more than 1970 Ford 12 M. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1970 Ford 12 M 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 12 M. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1973 Austin 1800, 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, 1973 Austin 1800 (141 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 48 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Ford 12 M. (93 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1973 Austin 1800 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Ford 12 M.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Austin 1800 | 1970 Ford 12 M | |
| Make | Austin | Ford |
| Model | 1800 | 12 M |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1970 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1799 cc | 1305 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 86 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 141 Nm | 93 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1190 kg | 850 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1610 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2530 mm |
