1958 BMW 600 vs. 1980 Renault 12
To start off, 1980 Renault 12 is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 BMW 600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 BMW 600 would be higher. At 1,288 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Renault 12 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Renault 12 (53 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 1958 BMW 600. (20 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Renault 12 should accelerate faster than 1958 BMW 600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Renault 12 weights approximately 350 kg more than 1958 BMW 600. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1958 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 1958 BMW 600. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 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, 1980 Renault 12 (94 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 56 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 BMW 600. (38 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1980 Renault 12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 BMW 600.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 BMW 600 | 1980 Renault 12 | |
| Make | BMW | Renault |
| Model | 600 | 12 |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 583 cc | 1288 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 20 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 38 Nm | 94 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 550 kg | 900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2910 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1410 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1710 mm | 2450 mm |
