1981 Renault 18 vs. 1983 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1983 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Renault 18. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Renault 18 would be higher. At 2,068 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Renault 18 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Volkswagen Golf (88 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1981 Renault 18. (66 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1983 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1981 Renault 18. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Renault 18 weights approximately 150 kg more than 1983 Volkswagen Golf.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1983 Volkswagen Golf (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Renault 18. (124 Nm @ 2250 RPM). This means 1983 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Renault 18.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Renault 18 | 1983 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Renault | Volkswagen |
| Model | 18 | Golf |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2068 cc | 1780 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 66 HP | 88 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2250 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.1 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1050 kg | 900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 3990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2410 mm |
