2003 BMW M3 vs. 1979 Renault 5
To start off, 2003 BMW M3 is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Renault 5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Renault 5 would be higher. At 3,168 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW M3 (342 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 183 more horse power than 1979 Renault 5. (159 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1979 Renault 5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW M3 weights approximately 415 kg more than 1979 Renault 5. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2003 BMW M3 (350 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 129 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Renault 5. (221 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 2003 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Renault 5.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW M3 | 1979 Renault 5 | |
| Make | BMW | Renault |
| Model | M3 | 5 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 1397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 342 HP | 159 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 76 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 7.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 970 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 3670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 56 L |
