2001 Pontiac Grand Prix vs. 1981 Renault 18
To start off, 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix is newer by 20 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 3,130 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix (173 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 110 more horse power than 1981 Renault 18. (63 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix should accelerate faster than 1981 Renault 18. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix weights approximately 491 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, 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix (264 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 161 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Renault 18. (103 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Renault 18. 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix 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. 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix | 1981 Renault 18 | |
| Make | Pontiac | Renault |
| Model | Grand Prix | 18 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3130 cc | 1396 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 173 HP | 63 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 264 Nm | 103 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 76 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 77 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1476 kg | 985 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2990 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 66 L | 60 L |
