1979 Mercury Cougar vs. 1974 Renault 12
To start off, 1979 Mercury Cougar is newer by 5 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 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Mercury Cougar (134 HP @ 3400 RPM) has 81 more horse power than 1974 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1974 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 905 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 1979 Mercury Cougar 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 1979 Mercury Cougar. 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, 1979 Mercury Cougar (336 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 240 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Renault 12. (96 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1979 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Renault 12.
Compare all specifications:
1979 Mercury Cougar | 1974 Renault 12 | |
Make | Mercury | Renault |
Model | Cougar | 12 |
Year Released | 1979 | 1974 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4942 cc | 1289 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 134 HP | 53 HP |
Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 5250 RPM |
Torque | 336 Nm | 96 Nm |
Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Vehicle Weight | 1855 kg | 950 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 4410 mm |
Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1640 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1460 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2450 mm |