1962 BMW 700 vs. 1978 Renault 4
To start off, 1978 Renault 4 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 BMW 700. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 BMW 700 would be higher. At 1,108 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Renault 4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1962 BMW 700 (38 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1978 Renault 4. (34 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1962 BMW 700 should accelerate faster than 1978 Renault 4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Renault 4 weights approximately 55 kg more than 1962 BMW 700.
Because 1962 BMW 700 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 1962 BMW 700. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Renault 4, 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, 1978 Renault 4 (72 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 BMW 700. (52 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1978 Renault 4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 BMW 700.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 BMW 700 | 1978 Renault 4 | |
| Make | BMW | Renault |
| Model | 700 | 4 |
| Year Released | 1962 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 697 cc | 1108 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 34 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 52 Nm | 72 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 660 kg | 715 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3540 mm | 3670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1490 mm | 1490 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2130 mm | 2410 mm |
