1974 Mercury Montego vs. 1979 Renault 12
To start off, 1979 Renault 12 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Mercury Montego. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Mercury Montego would be higher. At 6,555 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Mercury Montego is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Mercury Montego (168 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 115 more horse power than 1979 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 Mercury Montego should accelerate faster than 1979 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Mercury Montego weights approximately 953 kg more than 1979 Renault 12. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 Mercury Montego 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 1974 Mercury Montego. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 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, 1974 Mercury Montego (403 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 309 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Renault 12. (94 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1974 Mercury Montego will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Renault 12. 1974 Mercury Montego has automatic transmission and 1979 Renault 12 has manual transmission. 1979 Renault 12 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1974 Mercury Montego will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Mercury Montego | 1979 Renault 12 | |
| Make | Mercury | Renault |
| Model | Montego | 12 |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6555 cc | 1289 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 403 Nm | 94 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.7 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 101.6 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1859 kg | 906 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5840 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 87 L | 56 L |
