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 5,769 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Mercury Cougar (168 HP @ 4000 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 750 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 (363 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 269 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 | 5769 cc | 1289 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 168 HP | 53 HP |
Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5250 RPM |
Torque | 363 Nm | 94 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1650 kg | 900 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5080 mm | 4350 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1620 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1440 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2450 mm |