1973 Mercury Cougar vs. 1971 Renault 12
To start off, 1973 Mercury Cougar is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Renault 12. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Renault 12 would be higher. At 6,589 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Mercury Cougar (168 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 115 more horse power than 1971 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1971 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 1155 kg more than 1971 Renault 12. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1973 Mercury Cougar 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 1973 Mercury Cougar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1971 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, 1973 Mercury Cougar (375 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 281 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Renault 12. (94 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1973 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Renault 12.
Compare all specifications:
1973 Mercury Cougar | 1971 Renault 12 | |
Make | Mercury | Renault |
Model | Cougar | 12 |
Year Released | 1973 | 1971 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 6589 cc | 1289 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 168 HP | 53 HP |
Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5250 RPM |
Torque | 375 Nm | 94 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 2055 kg | 900 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 4350 mm |
Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1620 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1440 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2450 mm |