1972 BMW 3 vs. 1973 Renault 12
To start off, 1973 Renault 12 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 BMW 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 BMW 3 would be higher. At 2,986 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 BMW 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 BMW 3 (201 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 148 more horse power than 1973 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 1973 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 BMW 3 weights approximately 474 kg more than 1973 Renault 12. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 BMW 3 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 1972 BMW 3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1973 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, 1972 BMW 3 (271 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 177 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Renault 12. (94 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1972 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Renault 12.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW 3 | 1973 Renault 12 | |
| Make | BMW | Renault |
| Model | 3 | 12 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 1288 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 94 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 224 km/hour | 143 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1374 kg | 900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2450 mm |
