1988 BMW 525 vs. 1981 Renault 18
To start off, 1988 BMW 525 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 2,441 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW 525 (165 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 85 more horse power than 1981 Renault 18. (80 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 1981 Renault 18. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 525 weights approximately 580 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 525 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 525. 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 525 (239 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 102 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Renault 18. (137 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1988 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Renault 18. 1988 BMW 525 has automatic transmission and 1981 Renault 18 has manual transmission. 1981 Renault 18 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1988 BMW 525 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1988 BMW 525 | 1981 Renault 18 | |
Make | BMW | Renault |
Model | 525 | 18 |
Year Released | 1988 | 1981 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2441 cc | 1647 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 165 HP | 80 HP |
Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Torque | 239 Nm | 137 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 3000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 81 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 83.5 mm |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1605 kg | 1025 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4470 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1710 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1410 mm |