1994 BMW 518 vs. 1971 Renault 17
To start off, 1994 BMW 518 is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Renault 17. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Renault 17 would be higher. At 1,794 cc (4 cylinders), 1994 BMW 518 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1994 BMW 518 (114 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1971 Renault 17. (108 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1994 BMW 518 should accelerate faster than 1971 Renault 17. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1994 BMW 518 weights approximately 105 kg more than 1971 Renault 17. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1994 BMW 518 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 1994 BMW 518. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1971 Renault 17, 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, 1994 BMW 518 (161 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Renault 17. (133 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1994 BMW 518 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Renault 17.
Compare all specifications:
| 1994 BMW 518 | 1971 Renault 17 | |
| Make | BMW | Renault |
| Model | 518 | 17 |
| Year Released | 1994 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 1565 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 161 Nm | 133 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 1055 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2440 mm |
