1999 MCC Smart vs. 1981 Renault 18
To start off, 1999 MCC Smart is newer by 18 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 2,068 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Renault 18 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Renault 18 (66 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1999 MCC Smart. (40 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Renault 18 should accelerate faster than 1999 MCC Smart. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Renault 18 weights approximately 330 kg more than 1999 MCC Smart. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1999 MCC Smart 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 1999 MCC Smart. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 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, 1981 Renault 18 (124 Nm @ 2250 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 MCC Smart. (100 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1981 Renault 18 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 MCC Smart.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 MCC Smart | 1981 Renault 18 | |
| Make | MCC | Renault |
| Model | Smart | 18 |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 799 cc | 2068 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 40 HP | 66 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 100 Nm | 124 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 2250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 89 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 720 kg | 1050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2510 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1560 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1810 mm | 2450 mm |
