1987 Alfa Romeo 164 vs. 1978 Renault 18
To start off, 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 is newer by 9 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 2,959 cc (6 cylinders), 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 (185 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 81 more horse power than 1978 Renault 18. (104 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 should accelerate faster than 1978 Renault 18. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 weights approximately 353 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.
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, 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 (259 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 99 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Renault 18. (160 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Renault 18. 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 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. 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 | 1978 Renault 18 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Renault |
| Model | 164 | 18 |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2959 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 259 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.1 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.6 mm | 82 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1420 kg | 1067 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4650 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 53 L |
