1956 Fiat 1100 vs. 1978 Renault 18
To start off, 1978 Renault 18 is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Fiat 1100. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Fiat 1100 would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Renault 18 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Renault 18 (104 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1956 Fiat 1100. (49 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Renault 18 should accelerate faster than 1956 Fiat 1100. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Renault 18 weights approximately 262 kg more than 1956 Fiat 1100. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1956 Fiat 1100 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 Fiat 1100. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 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, 1978 Renault 18 (160 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 87 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Fiat 1100. (73 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1978 Renault 18 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Fiat 1100.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Fiat 1100 | 1978 Renault 18 | |
| Make | Fiat | Renault |
| Model | 1100 | 18 |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1089 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 73 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 68 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 74.9 mm | 82 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 805 kg | 1067 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1480 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 53 L |
