2004 BMW 525 vs. 1979 Renault 18
To start off, 2004 BMW 525 is newer by 25 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 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 BMW 525 (189 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 126 more horse power than 1979 Renault 18. (63 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 1979 Renault 18. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 525 weights approximately 779 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.
Because 2004 BMW 525 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 2004 BMW 525. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 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, 2004 BMW 525 (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 297 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Renault 18. (103 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2004 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Renault 18. 2004 BMW 525 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. 2004 BMW 525 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW 525 | 1979 Renault 18 | |
| Make | BMW | Renault |
| Model | 525 | 18 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 1397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 63 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 103 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1764 kg | 985 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8 L/100km | 7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 60 L |
