1974 Renault 12 vs. 2012 BMW 116
To start off, 2012 BMW 116 is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Renault 12. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Renault 12 would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 BMW 116 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 116 (116 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 1974 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 116 should accelerate faster than 1974 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 116 weights approximately 420 kg more than 1974 Renault 12. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 BMW 116 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 2012 BMW 116. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1974 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, 2012 BMW 116 (260 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 164 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Renault 12. (96 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 116 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Renault 12.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Renault 12 | 2012 BMW 116 | |
| Make | Renault | BMW |
| Model | 12 | 116 |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1289 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 96 Nm | 260 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 950 kg | 1370 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 4239 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1748 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1421 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2660 mm |
