1978 Renault 18 vs. 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 21 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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK (161 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 98 more horse power than 1978 Renault 18. (63 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1978 Renault 18. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 295 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 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK 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 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK. 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, 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK (234 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 131 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Renault 18. (103 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Renault 18. 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK 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. 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Renault 18 | 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Renault | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 18 | SLK |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1397 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 63 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 103 Nm | 234 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 995 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2410 mm |
