1957 Alpine A 108 vs. 1979 Renault 18
To start off, 1979 Renault 18 is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 Alpine A 108. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Alpine A 108 would be higher. At 1,647 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Renault 18 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Renault 18 (80 HP) has 31 more horse power than 1957 Alpine A 108. (49 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Renault 18 should accelerate faster than 1957 Alpine A 108. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Renault 18 weights approximately 475 kg more than 1957 Alpine A 108. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1957 Alpine A 108 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 1957 Alpine A 108. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 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, 1979 Renault 18 (136 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 68 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Alpine A 108. (68 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1979 Renault 18 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Alpine A 108.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Alpine A 108 | 1979 Renault 18 | |
| Make | Alpine | Renault |
| Model | A 108 | 18 |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 904 cc | 1647 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 80 HP |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 136 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 60 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 83.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 550 kg | 1025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1450 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1410 mm |
