| Production | |
|---|---|
| Model Year: | 1978 |
| Production Years: | 1978 - 1986 discontinued in 1986 |
The Renault 18 (134) is a classic mid-size sedan produced by the French automaker Renault from 1978 to 1986. This generation marked a significant model in Renault's lineup during the late 1970s and early 1980s, highlighting a blend of practical family car dimensions with the aesthetics and engineering typical of the era. Although specific dimension data vary slightly by trim, the Renault 18 sedan generally measured approximately 4.37 meters (172 inches) in length, with a width of about 1.64 meters (65 inches), and a height near 1.39 meters (55 inches). Weighing around 1100 to 1200 kilograms (2430 to 2645 pounds), it offered a moderate weight that contributed to its balanced performance and fuel efficiency for a vehicle of its class. The Renault 18 was built on a rear-wheel-drive platform, which was popular in this category at the time, providing a comfortable and stable ride. Its size firmly positioned it within the compact to mid-size sedan category, making it suitable for urban use as well as longer road journeys. The interior was spacious enough to comfortably seat four to five passengers, providing adequate legroom and headroom, consistent with family sedan expectations of its day. The Renault 18 competed with other European sedans of the late 1970s and early 1980s, such as the Peugeot 504 and the Ford Cortina, offering an appealing balance of French engineering and design. Overall, the Renault 18 (134) remains a notable model among vintage European sedans, appreciated for its size, practicality, and the legacy of Renault during that period.
Discover the standout features that make the 1978 Renault 18 a leader in its class
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The Renault 18 (134) sedan, produced from 1978 to 1986, has a length of approximately 4,430 mm (174.4 inches), a width of around 1,695 mm (66.7 inches), and a height close to 1,385 mm (54.5 inches). These dimensions categorize it as a mid-size car of its era, offering a balanced footprint that blends interior spaciousness with manageable exterior size. This size made the Renault 18 competitive in the family car segment during the late 1970s and early 1980s.
The Renault 18 (134) boasts a wheelbase of about 2,520 mm (99.2 inches). This substantial wheelbase length contributes positively to interior cabin space, providing comfortable legroom for both front and rear passengers. The generous wheelbase also enhances ride quality, offering smoother handling and stability during driving, which was an important feature that appealed to families and daily commuters alike.
The curb weight of the Renault 18 (134) varies slightly depending on the specific trim and equipment but generally falls in the range of 1,045 to 1,095 kilograms (2,304 to 2,414 pounds). This moderate weight for its class helps maintain reasonable fuel efficiency while still providing stable road manners. The car's weight also facilitates manageable handling characteristics typical of sedans from its time, combining adequate structural rigidity and responsiveness.
The Renault 18 (134) offers a practical trunk capacity of approximately 435 liters (15.4 cubic feet). This sizable trunk space allows for ample luggage storage, groceries, or daily cargo, making it well-suited for families or individuals who require both passenger and storage versatility. The trunk design also provides a flat loading floor, simplifying the process of placing and removing items, which enhances convenience for daily usability.
Yes, the Renault 18 (134) sedan fits comfortably into a standard home garage. Given its length of approximately 4.43 meters (14.54 feet) and width near 1.7 meters (5.58 feet), it fits well within typical residential garage dimensions, which generally start at about 6 meters (20 feet) deep and 3 meters (10 feet) wide. This makes the Renault 18 very convenient for urban or suburban owners who have residential parking facilities.
With a height of roughly 1,385 mm (54.5 inches), the Renault 18 (134) falls within the average range for sedans produced in the late 1970s to mid-1980s. This moderate height provides a balanced profile that promotes aerodynamic efficiency while ensuring sufficient headroom inside the cabin for passengers. It also contributes to ease of entry and exit, which is an important feature for comfort, especially for families and older drivers.
Compared to its predecessor, the Renault 12, the Renault 18 (134) is noticeably larger across key dimensions. The Renault 12 had a length of approximately 4,130 mm (162.6 inches), making the Renault 18 nearly 300 mm (11.8 inches) longer, which provides increased cabin and trunk space. The width and height were also expanded, offering more interior comfort and a more modern, substantial road presence. This dimensional growth reflects Renault’s aim to position the Renault 18 as a more mature and family-oriented vehicle in their lineup during the late 1970s.
The Renault 18 (134) fits comfortably into the mid-size sedan category when compared to contemporaries like the Opel Ascona B, Ford Cortina Mk4, or Volkswagen Passat B1. Its length of about 4.43 meters (174.4 inches) is comparable to these vehicles, which typically ranged from 4.3 to 4.5 meters in length. Width and height measurements are also competitive, making the Renault 18 a considerable offering in terms of passenger space, cargo capacity, and urban practicality amongst European mid-size sedans of its time.
The Renault 18 (134) was primarily available as a 4-door sedan, with some markets also seeing estate (station wagon) versions though this FAQ focuses on the sedan. Positioned as a family-friendly mid-size car, the Renault 18 was designed to appeal to buyers seeking a reliable, practical, and somewhat upscale vehicle compared to smaller Renault models. It filled a key segment in Renault’s lineup during its production period by offering a solid balance of size, comfort, and moderate luxury features typical for the late 1970s and early 1980s.
Throughout its production run from 1978 to 1986, the Renault 18 (134) underwent various updates mostly related to mechanical improvements, safety features, and styling tweaks rather than major dimensional changes. These updates included facelift items such as revised front grilles, lighting clusters, and interior refinements to keep the model competitive. However, the overall exterior dimensions like length, width, and height remained largely consistent, preserving the vehicle's footprint and interior space throughout its lifecycle.
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