1974 Renault 12 vs. 1981 Ford Laser
To start off, 1981 Ford Laser is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Renault 12. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Renault 12 would be higher. At 1,490 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Ford Laser is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Ford Laser (85 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1974 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Ford Laser should accelerate faster than 1974 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Renault 12 weights approximately 158 kg more than 1981 Ford Laser.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1981 Ford Laser (120 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Renault 12. (96 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1981 Ford Laser will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Renault 12. 1981 Ford Laser has automatic transmission and 1974 Renault 12 has manual transmission. 1974 Renault 12 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Ford Laser will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Renault 12 | 1981 Ford Laser | |
| Make | Renault | Ford |
| Model | 12 | Laser |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1289 cc | 1490 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 96 Nm | 120 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 950 kg | 792 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2370 mm |
