1972 BMW 3 vs. 1988 Renault 4
To start off, 1988 Renault 4 is newer by 16 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 167 more horse power than 1988 Renault 4. (34 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 1988 Renault 4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 BMW 3 weights approximately 679 kg more than 1988 Renault 4. 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, 1988 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, 1972 BMW 3 (271 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 209 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Renault 4. (62 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1972 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Renault 4.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW 3 | 1988 Renault 4 | |
| Make | BMW | Renault |
| Model | 3 | 4 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 956 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 34 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 62 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1374 kg | 695 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 3670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1490 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2410 mm |
