1978 Renault 18 vs. 2012 Fiat 500
To start off, 2012 Fiat 500 is newer by 34 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 1,647 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Renault 18 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Fiat 500 (101 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1978 Renault 18. (78 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Fiat 500 should accelerate faster than 1978 Renault 18. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Fiat 500 weights approximately 103 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, 1978 Renault 18 (136 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Fiat 500. (133 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1978 Renault 18 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Fiat 500. 2012 Fiat 500 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. 2012 Fiat 500 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Renault 18 | 2012 Fiat 500 | |
| Make | Renault | Fiat |
| Model | 18 | 500 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1647 cc | 1368 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 78 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 136 Nm | 133 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1025 kg | 1128 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 3546 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1628 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1519 mm |
