1976 Ford Escort vs. 1969 Renault 12
To start off, 1976 Ford Escort is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Renault 12. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Renault 12 would be higher. At 1,288 cc (4 cylinders), 1969 Renault 12 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Renault 12 (59 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1976 Ford Escort. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1969 Renault 12 should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1969 Renault 12 weights approximately 24 kg more than 1976 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1976 Ford Escort 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 1976 Ford Escort. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1969 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, 1969 Renault 12 (98 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 38 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Escort. (60 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1969 Renault 12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ford Escort | 1969 Renault 12 | |
| Make | Ford | Renault |
| Model | Escort | 12 |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1969 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 939 cc | 1288 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 45 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 60 Nm | 98 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 876 kg | 900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2410 mm |
