1961 Fiat 1500 vs. 1981 Renault 18
To start off, 1981 Renault 18 is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Fiat 1500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Fiat 1500 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 9 more horse power than 1961 Fiat 1500. (57 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Renault 18 should accelerate faster than 1961 Fiat 1500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Renault 18 weights approximately 145 kg more than 1961 Fiat 1500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1961 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 1961 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, 1981 Renault 18 (124 Nm @ 2250 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Fiat 1500. (83 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1981 Renault 18 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Fiat 1500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Fiat 1500 | 1981 Renault 18 | |
| Make | Fiat | Renault |
| Model | 1500 | 18 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1221 cc | 2068 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 57 HP | 66 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 83 Nm | 124 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 72 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 89 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 905 kg | 1050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4040 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1530 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2450 mm |
