2009 BMW 318 vs. 1973 Renault 12
To start off, 2009 BMW 318 is newer by 36 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 BMW 318 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 318 (141 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 88 more horse power than 1973 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 1973 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 318 weights approximately 605 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 2009 BMW 318 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 318. 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, 2009 BMW 318 (300 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 206 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Renault 12. (94 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Renault 12.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 318 | 1973 Renault 12 | |
| Make | BMW | Renault |
| Model | 318 | 12 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1288 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 94 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 16.0:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 205 km/hour | 143 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1505 kg | 900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.6 L/100km | 7.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 56 L |
