1994 BMW 840 vs. 1978 Renault 18
To start off, 1994 BMW 840 is newer by 16 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 3,982 cc (8 cylinders), 1994 BMW 840 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1994 BMW 840 (282 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 204 more horse power than 1978 Renault 18. (78 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1994 BMW 840 should accelerate faster than 1978 Renault 18. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1994 BMW 840 weights approximately 770 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 1994 BMW 840 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 1994 BMW 840. 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, 1994 BMW 840 (400 Nm @ 5100 RPM) has 267 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Renault 18. (133 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1994 BMW 840 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Renault 18.
Compare all specifications:
| 1994 BMW 840 | 1978 Renault 18 | |
| Make | BMW | Renault |
| Model | 840 | 18 |
| Year Released | 1994 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3982 cc | 1645 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 78 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 133 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 | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1740 kg | 970 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4390 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 53 L |
