1963 BMW 502 vs. 1971 Renault 12
To start off, 1971 Renault 12 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 BMW 502. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 BMW 502 would be higher. At 3,168 cc (8 cylinders), 1963 BMW 502 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1963 BMW 502 (158 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 105 more horse power than 1971 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1963 BMW 502 should accelerate faster than 1971 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1963 BMW 502 weights approximately 590 kg more than 1971 Renault 12. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1963 BMW 502 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 1963 BMW 502. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1971 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, 1963 BMW 502 (240 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 146 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Renault 12. (94 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1963 BMW 502 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Renault 12.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 BMW 502 | 1971 Renault 12 | |
| Make | BMW | Renault |
| Model | 502 | 12 |
| Year Released | 1963 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 1289 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 94 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 900 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 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 56 L |
