1980 Lotus Eclat vs. 1985 Renault 18
To start off, 1985 Renault 18 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Lotus Eclat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Lotus Eclat would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Lotus Eclat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Lotus Eclat (160 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 1985 Renault 18. (104 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Lotus Eclat should accelerate faster than 1985 Renault 18. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Renault 18 weights approximately 31 kg more than 1980 Lotus Eclat.
Because 1980 Lotus Eclat 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 1980 Lotus Eclat. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 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, 1980 Lotus Eclat (217 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 54 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Renault 18. (163 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 1980 Lotus Eclat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Renault 18.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Lotus Eclat | 1985 Renault 18 | |
| Make | Lotus | Renault |
| Model | Eclat | 18 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 163 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1104 kg | 1135 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1410 mm |
