1992 BMW 850 vs. 1978 Renault 18
To start off, 1992 BMW 850 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Renault 18. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Renault 18 would be higher. At 4,988 cc (12 cylinders), 1992 BMW 850 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1992 BMW 850 (296 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 192 more horse power than 1978 Renault 18. (104 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1992 BMW 850 should accelerate faster than 1978 Renault 18. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1992 BMW 850 weights approximately 723 kg more than 1978 Renault 18. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1992 BMW 850 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 850. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 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 850 (450 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 290 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Renault 18. (160 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1992 BMW 850 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Renault 18.
Compare all specifications:
| 1992 BMW 850 | 1978 Renault 18 | |
| Make | BMW | Renault |
| Model | 850 | 18 |
| Year Released | 1992 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4988 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 296 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 450 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4100 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 82 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1790 kg | 1067 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 53 L |
