1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 vs. 1978 Renault 18
To start off, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 is newer by 2 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 3,818 cc (8 cylinders), 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 (218 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 140 more horse power than 1978 Renault 18. (78 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 should accelerate faster than 1978 Renault 18. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 weights approximately 535 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 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 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 Mercedes-Benz 380. 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, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 169 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Renault 18. (136 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Renault 18. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 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. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 | 1978 Renault 18 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Renault |
| Model | 380 | 18 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3818 cc | 1647 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 218 HP | 78 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 136 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.8 mm | 83.5 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 1025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1410 mm |
