1987 BMW 628 vs. 1980 Renault 12
To start off, 1987 BMW 628 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Renault 12. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Renault 12 would be higher. At 2,788 cc (6 cylinders), 1987 BMW 628 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 BMW 628 (181 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 128 more horse power than 1980 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 BMW 628 should accelerate faster than 1980 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 BMW 628 weights approximately 516 kg more than 1980 Renault 12. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1987 BMW 628 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 1987 BMW 628. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 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, 1987 BMW 628 (240 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 144 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Renault 12. (96 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1987 BMW 628 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Renault 12.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 BMW 628 | 1980 Renault 12 | |
| Make | BMW | Renault |
| Model | 628 | 12 |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2788 cc | 1289 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 181 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1470 kg | 954 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2450 mm |
