1978 Renault 18 vs. 1996 Volvo 850
To start off, 1996 Volvo 850 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Renault 18. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Renault 18 would be higher. At 1,984 cc (5 cylinders), 1996 Volvo 850 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Volvo 850 (124 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 1978 Renault 18. (63 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Volvo 850 should accelerate faster than 1978 Renault 18. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Volvo 850 weights approximately 395 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.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1996 Volvo 850 (170 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 67 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Renault 18. (103 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 Volvo 850 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Renault 18.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Renault 18 | 1996 Volvo 850 | |
| Make | Renault | Volvo |
| Model | 18 | 850 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1397 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 63 HP | 124 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 103 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 995 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2670 mm |
