1990 BMW 518 vs. 1981 Renault 18
To start off, 1990 BMW 518 is newer by 9 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 1,794 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 BMW 518 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 BMW 518 (113 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 1981 Renault 18. (80 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 BMW 518 should accelerate faster than 1981 Renault 18. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 BMW 518 weights approximately 335 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 1990 BMW 518 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 1990 BMW 518. 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, 1990 BMW 518 (161 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Renault 18. (137 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1990 BMW 518 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Renault 18.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 BMW 518 | 1981 Renault 18 | |
| Make | BMW | Renault |
| Model | 518 | 18 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 1647 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 80 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 161 Nm | 137 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 83.5 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1360 kg | 1025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1410 mm |
