1988 BMW 316 vs. 1981 Renault 18
To start off, 1988 BMW 316 is newer by 7 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, 1988 BMW 316 (86 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1981 Renault 18. (66 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW 316 should accelerate faster than 1981 Renault 18. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 316 weights approximately 790 kg more than 1981 Renault 18. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 BMW 316 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 1988 BMW 316. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 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, 1988 BMW 316 (127 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Renault 18. (124 Nm @ 2250 RPM). This means 1988 BMW 316 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Renault 18.
Compare all specifications:
1988 BMW 316 | 1981 Renault 18 | |
Make | BMW | Renault |
Model | 316 | 18 |
Year Released | 1988 | 1981 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1596 cc | 2068 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 86 HP | 66 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
Torque | 127 Nm | 124 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 2250 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 86.1 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 89 mm |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Vehicle Weight | 1840 kg | 1050 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 4410 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1710 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1410 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2450 mm |