1995 BMW M3 vs. 1974 Renault 12
To start off, 1995 BMW M3 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Renault 12. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Renault 12 would be higher. At 2,988 cc (6 cylinders), 1995 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 BMW M3 (282 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 229 more horse power than 1974 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1995 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1974 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 BMW M3 weights approximately 515 kg more than 1974 Renault 12. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1995 BMW M3 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 1995 BMW M3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1974 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, 1995 BMW M3 (320 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 224 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Renault 12. (96 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1995 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Renault 12.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 BMW M3 | 1974 Renault 12 | |
| Make | BMW | Renault |
| Model | M3 | 12 |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2988 cc | 1289 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1465 kg | 950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2450 mm |
