1981 BMW 525 vs. 1985 Renault 18
To start off, 1985 Renault 18 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 BMW 525. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 BMW 525 would be higher. At 2,495 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 BMW 525 (148 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1985 Renault 18. (104 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 1985 Renault 18. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 BMW 525 weights approximately 145 kg more than 1985 Renault 18. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 BMW 525 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 1981 BMW 525. 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, 1981 BMW 525 (215 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 52 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Renault 18. (163 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 1981 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Renault 18.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 525 | 1985 Renault 18 | |
| Make | BMW | Renault |
| Model | 525 | 18 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2495 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 215 Nm | 163 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.1 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.6 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 1135 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1410 mm |
