1978 Ford Cortina vs. 1969 Renault 12
To start off, 1978 Ford Cortina is newer by 9 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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Ford Cortina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Renault 12 (113 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1978 Ford Cortina. (86 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1969 Renault 12 should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Ford Cortina weights approximately 180 kg more than 1969 Renault 12.
Because 1978 Ford Cortina 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 1978 Ford Cortina. 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, 1978 Ford Cortina (141 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Renault 12. (140 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1978 Ford Cortina will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Renault 12.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ford Cortina | 1969 Renault 12 | |
| Make | Ford | Renault |
| Model | Cortina | 12 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1969 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1565 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 86 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 141 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1110 kg | 930 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2450 mm |
