1996 BMW 745 vs. 1973 Renault 12
To start off, 1996 BMW 745 is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Renault 12. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Renault 12 would be higher. At 4,398 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 745 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 745 (283 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 230 more horse power than 1973 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 745 should accelerate faster than 1973 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 745 weights approximately 945 kg more than 1973 Renault 12. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 BMW 745 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 745. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1973 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 745 (420 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 324 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Renault 12. (96 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 745 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Renault 12. 1996 BMW 745 has automatic transmission and 1973 Renault 12 has manual transmission. 1973 Renault 12 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 BMW 745 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 745 | 1973 Renault 12 | |
| Make | BMW | Renault |
| Model | 745 | 12 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 1288 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 283 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 420 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1895 kg | 950 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 |
