1981 Mercury Cougar vs. 1974 Renault 12
To start off, 1981 Mercury Cougar is newer by 7 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 3,797 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Mercury Cougar (114 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 1974 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1974 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 406 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 1981 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 1981 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, 1981 Mercury Cougar (237 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 141 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Renault 12. (96 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1981 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Renault 12.
Compare all specifications:
1981 Mercury Cougar | 1974 Renault 12 | |
Make | Mercury | Renault |
Model | Cougar | 12 |
Year Released | 1981 | 1974 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3797 cc | 1289 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 114 HP | 53 HP |
Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5250 RPM |
Torque | 237 Nm | 96 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Vehicle Weight | 1356 kg | 950 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4960 mm | 4410 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1640 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1460 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2450 mm |