Renault 19

Renault 19: Which Version to Buy and Why

The Renault 19 Cabrio catalogue spans two generations: the first from June 1988 to March 1992 and the second from April 1992 to December 2002. The database lists 17 modifications for the first generation and 40 for the second, although the supplied comparison data shows 12 versions from each.

The Renault 19 Cabrio catalogue spans two generations: the first from June 1988 to March 1992 and the second from April 1992 to December 2002. The database lists 17 modifications for the first generation and 40 for the second, although the supplied comparison data shows 12 versions from each. The central buying choice is between the broader second-generation range—with 1.4, 1.6, 1.7 and 1.8 Gasoline engines—and the first generation, which also includes a 1.9 Diesel. Every listed version is FWD. For outright performance, the second-generation 1.8 MT with 137 hp is the strongest supplied option: it reaches 100 km/h in 8.5 seconds and 212 km/h. For lower weight, the first-generation 1.4 MT with 60 hp weighs 904 kg. Buyers prioritizing economy have only one measured result: the second-generation 1.4 AT with 80 hp, rated at 8.3 l/100 km city, 5.5 l/100 km highway and 7.1 l/100 km combined.

Renault 19 generations: what changed?

The first-generation Renault 19 Cabrio ran from June 1988 through March 1992 and contains 17 modifications in the catalogue. Its supplied versions cover 1,390–1,870 cc, with outputs from 58 to 135 hp. The front suspension is Independent, spring, while the rear is Dependent, spring. Every shown first-generation version has 119 mm of ground clearance, Ventilated disc front brakes and Drum rear brakes. Manual versions use a 5-speed gearbox; the supplied 1.7 AT uses a 3-speed Automatic.

The second-generation Renault 19 Cabrio ran from April 1992 through December 2002 and contains 40 catalogue modifications. The supplied engines range from 1,390 to 1,783 cc and 60 to 137 hp. Its rear suspension is either Semi-independent, torsion or Semi-independent, spring, depending on the version. Ground clearance is 120 or 175 mm. The generation also offers 3-speed and 4-speed Automatic transmissions alongside the 5-speed Manual, while selected 1.8 MT versions add rear Disc brakes instead of Drum units.

The clearest generation-level change is therefore chassis and drivetrain variety. The first generation has one rear-suspension description and 119 mm clearance throughout the supplied data. The second introduces two Semi-independent rear arrangements, two clearance figures, a 4-speed Automatic on the 90 hp 1.8 AT, and rear Disc brakes on several higher-output 1.8 MT versions.

Renault 19 engine and specs comparison

Repeated names are distinguished below by power because several mechanically different cars share labels such as 1.4 MT, 1.7 MT and 1.8 MT.

Power per litre separates the engines more clearly than capacity alone. The second-generation 1.8 MT with 137 hp produces approximately 77.7 hp per litre, narrowly exceeding the 135 hp 1.8 MT versions at approximately 76.5 hp per litre. The second-generation 1.8 MT with 107 hp delivers approximately 60.0 hp per litre, while the 90 hp 1.8 versions produce approximately 50.5 hp per litre. The first-generation 1.9 MT Diesel is the least power-dense supplied engine at approximately 34.2 hp per litre.

Renault 19 performance and mpg

The transmission comparison is decisive where engines match. In the second generation, the 90 hp 1.8 MT is 2.4 seconds quicker to 100 km/h and 6 km/h faster than the 90 hp 1.8 AT. The second-generation 1.7 MT is 3.7 seconds quicker and 4 km/h faster than the 1.7 AT. The first-generation 73 hp 1.7 MT with 974 kg records the same advantages over the 1.7 AT: 3.7 seconds to 100 km/h and 4 km/h in maximum speed.

Among the second-generation 1.4 choices, the 80 hp 1.4 MT is 4.3 seconds quicker to 100 km/h and 8 km/h faster than the 80 hp 1.4 AT. Compared with the 60 hp 1.4 MT, the 80 hp Manual cuts acceleration time by 2.6 seconds and adds 11 km/h to top speed.

Renault 19 dimensions, weight and wheel specs

External dimensions are not measured in the supplied data, so length, width, height and wheelbase cannot be compared. Wheel sizes are also not measured for every version. Tank capacity is not measured for the first generation; every supplied second-generation version has a 55-litre tank.

First-generation kerb weights, where measured, run from 904 kg for the 1.4 MT with 60 hp to 1,182 kg for one 1.8 MT with 135 hp. Gross weight ranges from 1,355 to 1,600 kg where measured, and clearance is 119 mm. The first-generation 1.7 MT with 90 hp and 1,721 cc has one entry with kerb and gross weights not measured.

Second-generation measured kerb weights range from 930 kg for the 72 hp 1.4 MT to 1,190 kg for the 135 hp 1.8 MT. Gross weight ranges from 1,335 to 1,600 kg where measured. The 80 hp 1.4 AT has a gross weight of 1,430 kg, but its kerb weight is not measured; the 1.6 MT has a kerb weight of 950 kg, but gross weight is not measured.

Weight per horsepower highlights the performance choices. The second-generation 137 hp 1.8 MT carries approximately 8.0 kg per hp. The first-generation 135 hp 1.8 MT at 1,065 kg is approximately 7.9 kg per hp, while the 1,093 kg example is approximately 8.1 kg per hp and the 1,182 kg example approximately 8.8 kg per hp. At the other end, the first-generation 60 hp 1.4 MT carries approximately 15.1 kg per hp.

Which Renault 19 version should you buy?

For maximum performance, choose the second-generation 1.8 MT with 137 hp. Its 8.5-second acceleration time and 212 km/h maximum speed are the best supplied second-generation figures. It has 158 Nm, a 5-speed Manual, rear Disc brakes and a 55-litre tank. Compared with the second-generation 135 hp 1.8 MT, it adds 2 hp, reaches 100 km/h 0.9 second sooner and gains 4 km/h, while its measured kerb weight is 97 kg lower.

For a strong first-generation power-to-weight result, the 1.8 MT with 135 hp and a 1,065 kg kerb weight is compelling at approximately 7.9 kg per hp. Its measured performance is 9.4 seconds to 100 km/h and 208 km/h. Another first-generation 1.8 MT combines the same 135 hp with a 1,093 kg kerb weight and records 8.5 seconds and 212 km/h, demonstrating why identical modification names must be matched to their full figures.

For a balanced second-generation Manual, the 1.6 MT offers 90 hp, 137 Nm, a 950 kg kerb weight and approximately 10.6 kg per hp. It reaches 100 km/h in 11.3 seconds and 181 km/h. Against the 90 hp 1.8 MT, it has 5 Nm less torque but is 175 kg lighter, accelerates 0.6 second faster and reaches a maximum speed 5 km/h higher.

For an Automatic, the performance data favors the second-generation 1.8 AT over the smaller 1.4 AT and the 1.7 AT. The 1.8 AT has 90 hp and 142 Nm, reaches 100 km/h in 14.3 seconds and has a maximum speed of 170 km/h. It is 1.7 seconds quicker and 3 km/h faster than the 1.7 AT, and 2.2 seconds quicker and 5 km/h faster than the 1.4 AT. The 1.4 AT remains the only rational choice when measured fuel consumption is essential, because the other versions’ economy figures are not measured.

For the lightest measured car, choose the first-generation 1.4 MT with 60 hp at 904 kg. If more output matters, the second-generation 1.4 MT with 80 hp weighs 948 kg: 44 kg more buys 20 hp, trims 2.8 seconds from the 0–100 km/h time and adds 12 km/h compared with the first-generation 60 hp version.

The 1.9 MT is the only supplied Diesel choice, producing 64 hp and 118 Nm from 1,870 cc with a 5-speed Manual and FWD. Its acceleration, top speed, fuel consumption, kerb weight, gross weight and tank capacity are not measured, so the data cannot support an economy or performance advantage over the Gasoline versions. Choose it specifically for the listed Diesel configuration, not for unmeasured benefits.

Overall, the second-generation 1.8 MT with 137 hp is the data-led performance choice, the second-generation 1.6 MT is the strongest numerical middle ground, and the second-generation 1.4 AT with 80 hp is the only version supported by measured economy figures. Buyers comparing older examples should focus on the exact power and weight attached to each repeated version name, because “1.8 MT” or “1.7 MT” alone does not identify one specification.