1974 Renault 12 vs. 1983 Ford Fairlane
To start off, 1983 Ford Fairlane is newer by 9 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 4,093 cc (6 cylinders), 1983 Ford Fairlane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Ford Fairlane (148 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 95 more horse power than 1974 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1983 Ford Fairlane should accelerate faster than 1974 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Ford Fairlane weights approximately 680 kg more than 1974 Renault 12. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1983 Ford Fairlane 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 1983 Ford Fairlane. 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, 1983 Ford Fairlane (326 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 230 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Renault 12. (96 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1983 Ford Fairlane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Renault 12. 1983 Ford Fairlane 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. 1983 Ford Fairlane will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Renault 12 | 1983 Ford Fairlane | |
| Make | Renault | Ford |
| Model | 12 | Fairlane |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1289 cc | 4093 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 96 Nm | 326 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 950 kg | 1630 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 5020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2950 mm |
