1990 Mercury Grand Marquis vs. 1974 Renault 12
To start off, 1990 Mercury Grand Marquis is newer by 16 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), 1990 Mercury Grand Marquis is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Mercury Grand Marquis (149 HP @ 3200 RPM) has 96 more horse power than 1974 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 Mercury Grand Marquis should accelerate faster than 1974 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Mercury Grand Marquis weights approximately 800 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 1990 Mercury Grand Marquis 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 1990 Mercury Grand Marquis. 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, 1990 Mercury Grand Marquis (366 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 270 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Renault 12. (96 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1990 Mercury Grand Marquis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Renault 12.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Mercury Grand Marquis | 1974 Renault 12 | |
| Make | Mercury | Renault |
| Model | Grand Marquis | 12 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 1289 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 149 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 366 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1750 kg | 950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5400 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2920 mm | 2450 mm |
