1992 BMW 540 vs. 1980 Renault 18
To start off, 1992 BMW 540 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Renault 18. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Renault 18 would be higher. At 3,980 cc (8 cylinders), 1992 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1992 BMW 540 (282 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 202 more horse power than 1980 Renault 18. (80 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1992 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 1980 Renault 18. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1992 BMW 540 weights approximately 625 kg more than 1980 Renault 18. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1992 BMW 540 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 1992 BMW 540. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 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, 1992 BMW 540 (400 Nm @ 5100 RPM) has 264 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Renault 18. (136 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1992 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Renault 18.
Compare all specifications:
| 1992 BMW 540 | 1980 Renault 18 | |
| Make | BMW | Renault |
| Model | 540 | 18 |
| Year Released | 1992 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3980 cc | 1645 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 80 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 136 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5100 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 83.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1650 kg | 1025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1410 mm |
