1959 BMW 700 vs. 1981 Renault 18
To start off, 1981 Renault 18 is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 BMW 700. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 BMW 700 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 27 more horse power than 1959 BMW 700. (39 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Renault 18 should accelerate faster than 1959 BMW 700. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Renault 18 weights approximately 420 kg more than 1959 BMW 700. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 BMW 700 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 1959 BMW 700. 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, 1981 Renault 18 (124 Nm @ 2250 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 BMW 700. (50 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1981 Renault 18 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 BMW 700.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 BMW 700 | 1981 Renault 18 | |
| Make | BMW | Renault |
| Model | 700 | 18 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 695 cc | 2068 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Horse Power | 39 HP | 66 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 50 Nm | 124 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73 mm | 89 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 630 kg | 1050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3540 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1490 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2130 mm | 2450 mm |
