1969 Fiat 124 vs. 1981 Renault 18
To start off, 1981 Renault 18 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Fiat 124. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Fiat 124 would be higher. At 2,068 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Renault 18 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Fiat 124 (110 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1981 Renault 18. (66 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1969 Fiat 124 should accelerate faster than 1981 Renault 18. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Renault 18 weights approximately 90 kg more than 1969 Fiat 124.
Because 1969 Fiat 124 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 1969 Fiat 124. 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, 1969 Fiat 124 (134 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Renault 18. (124 Nm @ 2250 RPM). This means 1969 Fiat 124 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Renault 18.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Fiat 124 | 1981 Renault 18 | |
| Make | Fiat | Renault |
| Model | 124 | 18 |
| Year Released | 1969 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1608 cc | 2068 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 66 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 134 Nm | 124 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 2250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 89 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 960 kg | 1050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2450 mm |
