1961 Austin 7 vs. 1978 Renault 18
To start off, 1978 Renault 18 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Austin 7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Austin 7 would be higher. At 1,645 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Renault 18 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Renault 18 (78 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1961 Austin 7. (33 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Renault 18 should accelerate faster than 1961 Austin 7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Renault 18 weights approximately 360 kg more than 1961 Austin 7. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Let's talk about torque, 1978 Renault 18 (133 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 73 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Austin 7. (60 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1978 Renault 18 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Austin 7.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Austin 7 | 1978 Renault 18 | |
| Make | Austin | Renault |
| Model | 7 | 18 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 848 cc | 1645 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 33 HP | 78 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 60 Nm | 133 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 610 kg | 970 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3060 mm | 4390 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1450 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2040 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 53 L |
