2009 Mercury Mountaineer vs. 1974 Renault 12
To start off, 2009 Mercury Mountaineer is newer by 35 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 4,009 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Mercury Mountaineer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercury Mountaineer (210 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 157 more horse power than 1974 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercury Mountaineer should accelerate faster than 1974 Renault 12.
Because 2009 Mercury Mountaineer 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 2009 Mercury Mountaineer. 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, 2009 Mercury Mountaineer (344 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 248 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Renault 12. (96 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Mercury Mountaineer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Renault 12. 2009 Mercury Mountaineer 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. 2009 Mercury Mountaineer will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mercury Mountaineer | 1974 Renault 12 | |
| Make | Mercury | Renault |
| Model | Mountaineer | 12 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4009 cc | 1289 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 344 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1860 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2450 mm |
