1957 BMW 600 vs. 1974 Renault 17
To start off, 1974 Renault 17 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 BMW 600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 BMW 600 would be higher. At 1,606 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Renault 17 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Renault 17 (108 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 88 more horse power than 1957 BMW 600. (20 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Renault 17 should accelerate faster than 1957 BMW 600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Renault 17 weights approximately 505 kg more than 1957 BMW 600. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1957 BMW 600 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 1957 BMW 600. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1974 Renault 17, 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, 1974 Renault 17 (136 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 98 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 BMW 600. (38 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1974 Renault 17 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 BMW 600.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 BMW 600 | 1974 Renault 17 | |
| Make | BMW | Renault |
| Model | 600 | 17 |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 583 cc | 1606 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 20 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 38 Nm | 136 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 550 kg | 1055 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2910 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1410 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1710 mm | 2440 mm |
