2004 Mercury Grand Marquis vs. 1974 Renault 12
To start off, 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis is newer by 30 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 4,602 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis (208 HP @ 4250 RPM) has 155 more horse power than 1974 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis should accelerate faster than 1974 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis weights approximately 882 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 2004 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 2004 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, 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis (359 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 263 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Renault 12. (96 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Renault 12. 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis has automatic transmission and 1974 Renault 12 has manual transmission. 1974 Renault 12 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis | 1974 Renault 12 | |
| Make | Mercury | Renault |
| Model | Grand Marquis | 12 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4602 cc | 1289 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 359 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1832 kg | 950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5390 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2450 mm |
