1987 BMW 318 vs. 1978 Renault 18
To start off, 1987 BMW 318 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 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 1987 BMW 318 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 BMW 318 (114 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 1978 Renault 18. (63 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 1978 Renault 18. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Renault 18 weights approximately 29 kg more than 1987 BMW 318.
Because 1987 BMW 318 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 1987 BMW 318. 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, 1987 BMW 318 (161 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 58 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Renault 18. (103 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1987 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Renault 18.
Compare all specifications:
1987 BMW 318 | 1978 Renault 18 | |
Make | BMW | Renault |
Model | 318 | 18 |
Year Released | 1987 | 1978 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1397 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 114 HP | 63 HP |
Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 161 Nm | 103 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3000 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 9.2:1 |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 995 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4500 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1700 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1410 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2450 mm |