1988 BMW M3 vs. 1986 Renault 18
To start off, 1988 BMW M3 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Renault 18. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Renault 18 would be higher. At 2,303 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW M3 (221 HP @ 6750 RPM) has 117 more horse power than 1986 Renault 18. (104 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1986 Renault 18. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW M3 weights approximately 65 kg more than 1986 Renault 18. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 BMW M3 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 M3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1986 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 M3 (245 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 82 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Renault 18. (163 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 1988 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Renault 18.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW M3 | 1986 Renault 18 | |
| Make | BMW | Renault |
| Model | M3 | 18 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2303 cc | 1993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 221 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6750 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 163 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.4 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 1135 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1410 mm |
