1988 BMW 525 vs. 1973 Renault 12
To start off, 1988 BMW 525 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Renault 12. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Renault 12 would be higher. At 2,443 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW 525 (168 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 115 more horse power than 1973 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 1973 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 525 weights approximately 560 kg more than 1973 Renault 12. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 BMW 525 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 1988 BMW 525. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1973 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, 1988 BMW 525 (226 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 132 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Renault 12. (94 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1988 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Renault 12.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 525 | 1973 Renault 12 | |
| Make | BMW | Renault |
| Model | 525 | 12 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2443 cc | 1288 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 226 Nm | 94 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.1 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1460 kg | 900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 56 L |
