1974 Morgan 4 vs. 1974 Renault 12
To start off, both 1974 Morgan 4 and 1974 Renault 12 were released in the same year (1974). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 1,597 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Morgan 4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Morgan 4 (85 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1974 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 Morgan 4 should accelerate faster than 1974 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Renault 12 weights approximately 290 kg more than 1974 Morgan 4.
Because 1974 Morgan 4 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 Morgan 4. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1974 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 Morgan 4 (136 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Renault 12. (96 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1974 Morgan 4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Renault 12.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Morgan 4 | 1974 Renault 12 | |
| Make | Morgan | Renault |
| Model | 4 | 12 |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 1289 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 136 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 660 kg | 950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2450 mm |
