2009 BMW 135 vs. 1978 Renault 4
To start off, 2009 BMW 135 is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Renault 4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Renault 4 would be higher. At 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 BMW 135 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 135 (301 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 267 more horse power than 1978 Renault 4. (34 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 135 should accelerate faster than 1978 Renault 4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 135 weights approximately 810 kg more than 1978 Renault 4. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 BMW 135 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 2009 BMW 135. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Renault 4, 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, 2009 BMW 135 (407 Nm @ 1400 RPM) has 335 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Renault 4. (72 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 135 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Renault 4.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 135 | 1978 Renault 4 | |
| Make | BMW | Renault |
| Model | 135 | 4 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2979 cc | 1108 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 301 HP | 34 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 407 Nm | 72 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1400 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 70 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.6 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 715 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 3670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1490 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2410 mm |
