1959 Renault Dauphine vs. 1985 Renault 18
To start off, 1985 Renault 18 is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Renault Dauphine. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Renault Dauphine would be higher. At 1,395 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Renault 18 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Renault 18 (63 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1959 Renault Dauphine. (33 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Renault 18 should accelerate faster than 1959 Renault Dauphine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Renault 18 weights approximately 353 kg more than 1959 Renault Dauphine. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 Renault Dauphine 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 Renault Dauphine. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 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, 1985 Renault 18 (103 Nm) has 58 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Renault Dauphine. (45 Nm). This means 1985 Renault 18 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Renault Dauphine.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Renault Dauphine | 1985 Renault 18 | |
| Make | Renault | Renault |
| Model | Dauphine | 18 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 845 cc | 1395 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 33 HP | 63 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 45 Nm | 103 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 54.5 mm | 76 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 77 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 632 kg | 985 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3940 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1530 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 60 L |
