1974 BMW 518 vs. 1972 Renault 5
To start off, 1974 BMW 518 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Renault 5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Renault 5 would be higher. At 1,766 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 BMW 518 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 BMW 518 (90 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 1972 Renault 5. (33 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 BMW 518 should accelerate faster than 1972 Renault 5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 BMW 518 weights approximately 525 kg more than 1972 Renault 5. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 BMW 518 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 1974 BMW 518. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1972 Renault 5, 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, 1974 BMW 518 (146 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 93 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Renault 5. (53 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1974 BMW 518 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Renault 5.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 BMW 518 | 1972 Renault 5 | |
| Make | BMW | Renault |
| Model | 518 | 5 |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1766 cc | 782 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 33 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 53 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1240 kg | 715 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 3530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1530 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2410 mm |
