2007 BMW 740 vs. 1974 Renault 12
To start off, 2007 BMW 740 is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Renault 12. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Renault 12 would be higher. At 4,000 cc (8 cylinders), 2007 BMW 740 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 BMW 740 (302 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 249 more horse power than 1974 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 BMW 740 should accelerate faster than 1974 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 BMW 740 weights approximately 1065 kg more than 1974 Renault 12. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2007 BMW 740 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 2007 BMW 740. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1974 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, 2007 BMW 740 (391 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 297 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Renault 12. (94 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2007 BMW 740 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Renault 12. 2007 BMW 740 has automatic transmission and 1974 Renault 12 has manual transmission. 1974 Renault 12 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2007 BMW 740 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 BMW 740 | 1974 Renault 12 | |
| Make | BMW | Renault |
| Model | 740 | 12 |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4000 cc | 1289 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 302 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 391 Nm | 94 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 143 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1965 kg | 900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.2 L/100km | 7.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 88 L | 56 L |
