1997 Lincoln Continental vs. 1981 Renault 18
To start off, 1997 Lincoln Continental is newer by 16 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 4,601 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Lincoln Continental is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Lincoln Continental (217 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 137 more horse power than 1981 Renault 18. (80 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Lincoln Continental should accelerate faster than 1981 Renault 18. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Lincoln Continental weights approximately 725 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.
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, 1997 Lincoln Continental (372 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 235 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Renault 18. (137 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1997 Lincoln Continental will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Renault 18. 1997 Lincoln Continental has automatic transmission and 1981 Renault 18 has manual transmission. 1981 Renault 18 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Lincoln Continental will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Lincoln Continental | 1981 Renault 18 | |
| Make | Lincoln | Renault |
| Model | Continental | 18 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4601 cc | 1647 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 217 HP | 80 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 372 Nm | 137 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90.1 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.4 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 | 1750 kg | 1025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5250 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1410 mm |
