1973 Renault 12 vs. 1976 Ford Taunus
To start off, 1976 Ford Taunus is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Renault 12. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Renault 12 would be higher. At 2,294 cc (6 cylinders), 1976 Ford Taunus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Ford Taunus (106 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1973 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1976 Ford Taunus should accelerate faster than 1973 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Ford Taunus weights approximately 215 kg more than 1973 Renault 12. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1976 Ford Taunus 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 1976 Ford Taunus. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1973 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, 1976 Ford Taunus (177 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 83 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Renault 12. (94 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1976 Ford Taunus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Renault 12. 1976 Ford Taunus has automatic transmission and 1973 Renault 12 has manual transmission. 1973 Renault 12 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1976 Ford Taunus will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Renault 12 | 1976 Ford Taunus | |
| Make | Renault | Ford |
| Model | 12 | Taunus |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1288 cc | 2294 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 106 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 94 Nm | 177 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 900 kg | 1115 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2590 mm |
