1958 BMW 501 vs. 1969 Renault 12
To start off, 1969 Renault 12 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 BMW 501. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 BMW 501 would be higher. At 3,168 cc (8 cylinders), 1958 BMW 501 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1958 BMW 501 (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1969 Renault 12. (113 HP @ 6250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1958 BMW 501 should accelerate faster than 1969 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1958 BMW 501 weights approximately 475 kg more than 1969 Renault 12. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1958 BMW 501 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 1958 BMW 501. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1969 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, 1958 BMW 501 (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 82 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Renault 12. (140 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1958 BMW 501 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Renault 12.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 BMW 501 | 1969 Renault 12 | |
| Make | BMW | Renault |
| Model | 501 | 12 |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1969 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 1565 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 930 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2450 mm |
