1956 BMW 503 vs. 1982 Renault 18
To start off, 1982 Renault 18 is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 BMW 503. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 BMW 503 would be higher. At 3,168 cc (8 cylinders), 1956 BMW 503 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1956 BMW 503 (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 1982 Renault 18. (78 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1956 BMW 503 should accelerate faster than 1982 Renault 18. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 BMW 503 weights approximately 475 kg more than 1982 Renault 18. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1956 BMW 503 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 1956 BMW 503. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1982 Renault 18, 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, 1956 BMW 503 (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 86 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Renault 18. (136 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1956 BMW 503 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Renault 18.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 BMW 503 | 1982 Renault 18 | |
| Make | BMW | Renault |
| Model | 503 | 18 |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1982 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 1645 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 78 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 136 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 83.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.3:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1410 mm |
