2008 BMW 335 vs. 1972 Renault 12
To start off, 2008 BMW 335 is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Renault 12. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Renault 12 would be higher. At 2,977 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW 335 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 335 (300 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 247 more horse power than 1972 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 335 should accelerate faster than 1972 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 335 weights approximately 634 kg more than 1972 Renault 12. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 BMW 335 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 2008 BMW 335. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1972 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, 2008 BMW 335 (400 Nm @ 1300 RPM) has 306 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Renault 12. (94 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 335 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Renault 12. 2008 BMW 335 has automatic transmission and 1972 Renault 12 has manual transmission. 1972 Renault 12 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 BMW 335 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 335 | 1972 Renault 12 | |
| Make | BMW | Renault |
| Model | 335 | 12 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2977 cc | 1289 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 300 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 94 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1300 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 | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1540 kg | 906 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1380 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11 L/100km | 7.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 56 L |
