2005 BMW M3 vs. 1978 Renault 5
To start off, 2005 BMW M3 is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Renault 5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Renault 5 would be higher. At 3,244 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 BMW M3 (320 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 162 more horse power than 1978 Renault 5. (158 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1978 Renault 5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 BMW M3 weights approximately 718 kg more than 1978 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, 2005 BMW M3 (337 Nm) has 116 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Renault 5. (221 Nm). This means 2005 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Renault 5.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 BMW M3 | 1978 Renault 5 | |
| Make | BMW | Renault |
| Model | M3 | 5 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3244 cc | 1397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 320 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 337 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 76 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 7.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 972 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 3670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 56 L |
