1996 Chevrolet Lumina vs. 1979 Renault 18
To start off, 1996 Chevrolet Lumina is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Renault 18. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Renault 18 would be higher. At 3,135 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Chevrolet Lumina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Chevrolet Lumina (155 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 1979 Renault 18. (80 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Chevrolet Lumina should accelerate faster than 1979 Renault 18. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Chevrolet Lumina weights approximately 485 kg more than 1979 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, 1996 Chevrolet Lumina (251 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 115 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Renault 18. (136 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 Chevrolet Lumina will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Renault 18. 1996 Chevrolet Lumina has automatic transmission and 1979 Renault 18 has manual transmission. 1979 Renault 18 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Chevrolet Lumina will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Chevrolet Lumina | 1979 Renault 18 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Renault |
| Model | Lumina | 18 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3135 cc | 1647 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 155 HP | 80 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 136 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.1 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 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 | 1510 kg | 1025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5110 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1410 mm |
