1982 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1970 Renault 12
To start off, 1982 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Renault 12. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Renault 12 would be higher. At 3,275 cc (6 cylinders), 1982 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1982 Ford Thunderbird (87 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1970 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1982 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1970 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 536 kg more than 1970 Renault 12. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1982 Ford Thunderbird 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 1982 Ford Thunderbird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1970 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, 1982 Ford Thunderbird (209 Nm @ 1400 RPM) has 114 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Renault 12. (95 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1982 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Renault 12. 1982 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 1970 Renault 12 has manual transmission. 1970 Renault 12 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1982 Ford Thunderbird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Ford Thunderbird | 1970 Renault 12 | |
| Make | Ford | Renault |
| Model | Thunderbird | 12 |
| Year Released | 1982 | 1970 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3275 cc | 1289 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 87 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 209 Nm | 95 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Top Speed | 140 km/hour | 143 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1436 kg | 900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5100 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 56 L |
