1993 Mercury Cougar vs. 1978 Renault 12
To start off, 1993 Mercury Cougar is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Renault 12. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Renault 12 would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1993 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1993 Mercury Cougar (202 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 149 more horse power than 1978 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1993 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1978 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1993 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 790 kg more than 1978 Renault 12. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1993 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 1993 Mercury Cougar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 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, 1993 Mercury Cougar (359 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 265 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Renault 12. (94 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1993 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Renault 12.
Compare all specifications:
| 1993 Mercury Cougar | 1978 Renault 12 | |
| Make | Mercury | Renault |
| Model | Cougar | 12 |
| Year Released | 1993 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 1289 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 202 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 359 Nm | 94 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5080 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2440 mm |
