1972 BMW 3 vs. 1980 Renault 18
To start off, 1980 Renault 18 is newer by 8 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 138 more horse power than 1980 Renault 18. (63 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 1980 Renault 18. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 BMW 3 weights approximately 384 kg more than 1980 Renault 18. 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, 1980 Renault 18, 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 168 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Renault 18. (103 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1972 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Renault 18.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW 3 | 1980 Renault 18 | |
| Make | BMW | Renault |
| Model | 3 | 18 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 1397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 63 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 103 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 76 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1374 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2450 mm |
