1956 Ford Consul vs. 1981 Renault 18
To start off, 1981 Renault 18 is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Ford Consul. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Ford Consul would be higher. At 2,068 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Renault 18 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Renault 18 (66 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1956 Ford Consul. (51 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Renault 18 should accelerate faster than 1956 Ford Consul. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 Ford Consul weights approximately 36 kg more than 1981 Renault 18.
Because 1956 Ford Consul 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 Ford Consul. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 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 Ford Consul (127 Nm @ 2300 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Renault 18. (124 Nm @ 2250 RPM). This means 1956 Ford Consul will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Renault 18.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Ford Consul | 1981 Renault 18 | |
| Make | Ford | Renault |
| Model | Consul | 18 |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1703 cc | 2068 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 66 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 127 Nm | 124 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 2250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 89 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1086 kg | 1050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2450 mm |
