1979 Buick Electra vs. 1983 Renault 18
To start off, 1983 Renault 18 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Buick Electra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Buick Electra would be higher. At 4,942 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Buick Electra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Buick Electra (138 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 1983 Renault 18. (80 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Buick Electra should accelerate faster than 1983 Renault 18. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Buick Electra weights approximately 700 kg more than 1983 Renault 18. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Buick Electra 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 1979 Buick Electra. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1983 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, 1979 Buick Electra (320 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 184 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Renault 18. (136 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1979 Buick Electra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Renault 18. 1979 Buick Electra has automatic transmission and 1983 Renault 18 has manual transmission. 1983 Renault 18 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Buick Electra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Buick Electra | 1983 Renault 18 | |
| Make | Buick | Renault |
| Model | Electra | 18 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 1647 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 80 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 136 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1725 kg | 1025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5650 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1410 mm |
