1959 Fiat 1500 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 Fiat 1500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Fiat 1500 would be higher. At 1,490 cc (4 cylinders), 1959 Fiat 1500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Fiat 1500 (80 HP) has 17 more horse power than 1981 Renault 18. (63 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1959 Fiat 1500 should accelerate faster than 1981 Renault 18. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Fiat 1500 weights approximately 5 kg more than 1981 Renault 18. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 Fiat 1500 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 Fiat 1500. 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, 1959 Fiat 1500 (104 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Renault 18. (103 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1959 Fiat 1500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Renault 18.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Fiat 1500 | 1981 Renault 18 | |
| Make | Fiat | Renault |
| Model | 1500 | 18 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1490 cc | 1396 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 80 HP | 63 HP |
| Torque | 104 Nm | 103 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 76 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.7:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 985 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4040 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1530 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 37 L | 60 L |
