2005 Mercury Mariner vs. 1974 Renault 12
To start off, 2005 Mercury Mariner is newer by 31 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 2,261 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Mercury Mariner is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercury Mariner (153 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 100 more horse power than 1974 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercury Mariner should accelerate faster than 1974 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercury Mariner weights approximately 629 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 2005 Mercury Mariner is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1974 Renault 12. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Mercury Mariner will offer significantly more control. 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, 2005 Mercury Mariner (206 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Renault 12. (96 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2005 Mercury Mariner will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Renault 12. 2005 Mercury Mariner 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. 2005 Mercury Mariner will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mercury Mariner | 1974 Renault 12 | |
| Make | Mercury | Renault |
| Model | Mariner | 12 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2261 cc | 1289 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 206 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1579 kg | 950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1730 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2450 mm |
