1994 BMW 740 vs. 1980 Renault 12
To start off, 1994 BMW 740 is newer by 14 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 3,982 cc (8 cylinders), 1994 BMW 740 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1994 BMW 740 (282 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 229 more horse power than 1980 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1994 BMW 740 should accelerate faster than 1980 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1994 BMW 740 weights approximately 738 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 1994 BMW 740 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 740. 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, 1994 BMW 740 (400 Nm @ 5100 RPM) has 304 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Renault 12. (96 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1994 BMW 740 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Renault 12.
Compare all specifications:
| 1994 BMW 740 | 1980 Renault 12 | |
| Make | BMW | Renault |
| Model | 740 | 12 |
| Year Released | 1994 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3982 cc | 1289 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5100 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1692 kg | 954 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5130 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2450 mm |
