1996 BMW 730 vs. 1979 Renault 12
To start off, 1996 BMW 730 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Renault 12. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Renault 12 would be higher. At 2,793 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW 730 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 730 (190 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 137 more horse power than 1979 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 730 should accelerate faster than 1979 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 730 weights approximately 840 kg more than 1979 Renault 12. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 BMW 730 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 730. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 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 730 (280 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 186 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Renault 12. (94 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 730 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Renault 12.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 730 | 1979 Renault 12 | |
| Make | BMW | Renault |
| Model | 730 | 12 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2793 cc | 1289 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 94 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 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 | 1746 kg | 906 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5130 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 56 L |
