1986 Ford Sierra vs. 1978 Renault 18
To start off, 1986 Ford Sierra is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Renault 18. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Renault 18 would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Renault 18 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Renault 18 (104 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1986 Ford Sierra. (89 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Renault 18 should accelerate faster than 1986 Ford Sierra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Renault 18 weights approximately 53 kg more than 1986 Ford Sierra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1986 Ford Sierra 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 1986 Ford Sierra. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 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, 1978 Renault 18 (160 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Ford Sierra. (143 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1978 Renault 18 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Ford Sierra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Ford Sierra | 1978 Renault 18 | |
| Make | Ford | Renault |
| Model | Sierra | 18 |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1769 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 143 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1014 kg | 1067 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2470 mm |
