1974 Renault 12 vs. 2013 BMW 3 Series
To start off, 2013 BMW 3 Series is newer by 39 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 1,997 cc (6 cylinders), 2013 BMW 3 Series is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 BMW 3 Series (238 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 185 more horse power than 1974 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 BMW 3 Series should accelerate faster than 1974 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 BMW 3 Series weights approximately 681 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 2013 BMW 3 Series is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1974 Renault 12. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 BMW 3 Series will offer significantly more control. 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, 2013 BMW 3 Series (350 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 254 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Renault 12. (96 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2013 BMW 3 Series will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Renault 12. 2013 BMW 3 Series has automatic transmission and 1974 Renault 12 has manual transmission. 1974 Renault 12 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2013 BMW 3 Series will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Renault 12 | 2013 BMW 3 Series | |
| Make | Renault | BMW |
| Model | 12 | 3 Series |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1289 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 238 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 96 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 950 kg | 1631 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 4636 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 2031 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1434 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2810 mm |
