1961 Ford Zodiac vs. 1980 Renault 18
To start off, 1980 Renault 18 is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Ford Zodiac. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Ford Zodiac would be higher. At 2,552 cc (6 cylinders), 1961 Ford Zodiac is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Renault 18 (80 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1961 Ford Zodiac. (76 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Renault 18 should accelerate faster than 1961 Ford Zodiac. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Ford Zodiac weights approximately 166 kg more than 1980 Renault 18.
Because 1961 Ford Zodiac 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 Ford Zodiac. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 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, 1961 Ford Zodiac (187 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 51 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Renault 18. (136 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1961 Ford Zodiac will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Renault 18.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Ford Zodiac | 1980 Renault 18 | |
| Make | Ford | Renault |
| Model | Zodiac | 18 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2552 cc | 1645 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 80 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 187 Nm | 136 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.9:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1191 kg | 1025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4600 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1520 mm | 1410 mm |
