1973 Bitter CD vs. 1978 Renault 18
To start off, 1978 Renault 18 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Bitter CD. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Bitter CD would be higher. At 5,353 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Bitter CD is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Bitter CD (226 HP @ 4700 RPM) has 122 more horse power than 1978 Renault 18. (104 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 Bitter CD should accelerate faster than 1978 Renault 18. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Bitter CD weights approximately 657 kg more than 1978 Renault 18. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1973 Bitter CD 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 1973 Bitter CD. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 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, 1973 Bitter CD (427 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 267 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Renault 18. (160 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1973 Bitter CD will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Renault 18. 1973 Bitter CD has automatic transmission and 1978 Renault 18 has manual transmission. 1978 Renault 18 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1973 Bitter CD will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Bitter CD | 1978 Renault 18 | |
| Make | Bitter | Renault |
| Model | CD | 18 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5353 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 226 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4700 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 427 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.6 mm | 82 mm |
| Top Speed | 209 km/hour | 171 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1724 kg | 1067 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4860 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 53 L |
