1996 BMW 540 vs. 1972 Renault 12
To start off, 1996 BMW 540 is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Renault 12. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Renault 12 would be higher. At 4,397 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 540 (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 229 more horse power than 1972 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 1972 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 909 kg more than 1972 Renault 12. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 BMW 540 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 1996 BMW 540. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1972 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, 1996 BMW 540 (440 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 346 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Renault 12. (94 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Renault 12.
Compare all specifications:
1996 BMW 540 | 1972 Renault 12 | |
Make | BMW | Renault |
Model | 540 | 12 |
Year Released | 1996 | 1972 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4397 cc | 1289 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 282 HP | 53 HP |
Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5250 RPM |
Torque | 440 Nm | 94 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 73 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 77 mm |
Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 143 km/hour |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1815 kg | 906 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4350 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1620 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1440 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2440 mm |
Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.6 L/100km | 7.2 L/100km |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 56 L |