2008 BMW M3 vs. 1981 Renault 5
To start off, 2008 BMW M3 is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Renault 5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Renault 5 would be higher. At 3,246 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW M3 (338 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 180 more horse power than 1981 Renault 5. (158 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1981 Renault 5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW M3 weights approximately 605 kg more than 1981 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, 2008 BMW M3 (365 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 144 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Renault 5. (221 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 2008 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Renault 5.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW M3 | 1981 Renault 5 | |
| Make | BMW | Renault |
| Model | M3 | 5 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 1397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 338 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.1 mm | 76 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 7.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.5 seconds | 6.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1655 kg | 1050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 3670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.1 L/100km | 7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 51 L |
