1978 Ford Escort vs. 1974 Renault 12
To start off, 1978 Ford Escort is newer by 4 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 1,289 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Renault 12 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Renault 12 (53 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1978 Ford Escort. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Renault 12 should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Renault 12 weights approximately 40 kg more than 1978 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 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 1978 Ford Escort. 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, 1974 Renault 12 (96 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Escort. (60 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1974 Renault 12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
1978 Ford Escort | 1974 Renault 12 | |
Make | Ford | Renault |
Model | Escort | 12 |
Year Released | 1978 | 1974 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 938 cc | 1289 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 45 HP | 53 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5250 RPM |
Torque | 60 Nm | 96 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Vehicle Weight | 910 kg | 950 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4410 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1640 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1460 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2450 mm |