1976 Renault 12 vs. 2011 BMW 520
To start off, 2011 BMW 520 is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Renault 12. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Renault 12 would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 520 (182 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 129 more horse power than 1976 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1976 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 520 weights approximately 789 kg more than 1976 Renault 12. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2011 BMW 520 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 2011 BMW 520. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1976 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, 2011 BMW 520 (380 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 286 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Renault 12. (94 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Renault 12. 2011 BMW 520 has automatic transmission and 1976 Renault 12 has manual transmission. 1976 Renault 12 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 BMW 520 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Renault 12 | 2011 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Renault | BMW |
| Model | 12 | 520 |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2011 |
| 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 | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 94 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 73 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 143 km/hour | 227 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 906 kg | 1695 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4899 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.2 L/100km | 4.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 56 L | 70 L |
