1981 BMW 528 vs. 1984 Renault 18
To start off, 1984 Renault 18 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 BMW 528. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 BMW 528 would be higher. At 2,788 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 BMW 528 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 BMW 528 (181 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 103 more horse power than 1984 Renault 18. (78 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 BMW 528 should accelerate faster than 1984 Renault 18. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 BMW 528 weights approximately 275 kg more than 1984 Renault 18. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 BMW 528 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 528. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1984 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 528 (240 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 104 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Renault 18. (136 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1981 BMW 528 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Renault 18.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 528 | 1984 Renault 18 | |
| Make | BMW | Renault |
| Model | 528 | 18 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1984 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2788 cc | 1647 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 181 HP | 78 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 136 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 83.5 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 1025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1410 mm |
