1974 Renault 12 vs. 1985 Ford Fairlane
To start off, 1985 Ford Fairlane is newer by 11 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 4,089 cc (6 cylinders), 1985 Ford Fairlane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Ford Fairlane (137 HP @ 3750 RPM) has 84 more horse power than 1974 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Ford Fairlane should accelerate faster than 1974 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 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 1985 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 1985 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, 1985 Ford Fairlane (304 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 208 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Renault 12. (96 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1985 Ford Fairlane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Renault 12. 1985 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. 1985 Ford Fairlane will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Renault 12 | 1985 Ford Fairlane | |
| Make | Renault | Ford |
| Model | 12 | Fairlane |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1289 cc | 4089 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 137 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Torque | 96 Nm | 304 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2400 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 | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2950 mm |
