2007 BMW M3 vs. 1973 Renault 12
To start off, 2007 BMW M3 is newer by 34 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 3,245 cc (6 cylinders), 2007 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 BMW M3 (338 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 285 more horse power than 1973 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1973 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 BMW M3 weights approximately 755 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 2007 BMW M3 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 M3. 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, 2007 BMW M3 (365 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 271 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Renault 12. (94 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2007 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Renault 12.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 BMW M3 | 1973 Renault 12 | |
| Make | BMW | Renault |
| Model | M3 | 12 |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3245 cc | 1288 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 338 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 94 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 143 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1655 kg | 900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.1 L/100km | 7.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 56 L |
