1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass vs. 1981 Renault 18
To start off, 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass 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 3,331 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass (158 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 78 more horse power than 1981 Renault 18. (80 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass should accelerate faster than 1981 Renault 18. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass weights approximately 290 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.
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, 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass (252 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 115 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Renault 18. (137 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Renault 18. 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass 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 Oldsmobile Cutlass will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass | 1981 Renault 18 | |
| Make | Oldsmobile | Renault |
| Model | Cutlass | 18 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3331 cc | 1647 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 80 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 252 Nm | 137 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 94 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80.3 mm | 83.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1315 kg | 1025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1410 mm |
