1959 Citroen 2CV vs. 1990 Renault 21
To start off, 1990 Renault 21 is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Citroen 2CV. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Citroen 2CV would be higher. At 1,721 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 Renault 21 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Renault 21 (75 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 1959 Citroen 2CV. (12 HP @ 3500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Renault 21 should accelerate faster than 1959 Citroen 2CV. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Renault 21 weights approximately 525 kg more than 1959 Citroen 2CV. 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, 1990 Renault 21 (129 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 104 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Citroen 2CV. (25 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1990 Renault 21 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Citroen 2CV.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Citroen 2CV | 1990 Renault 21 | |
| Make | Citroen | Renault |
| Model | 2CV | 21 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 423 cc | 1721 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Horse Power | 12 HP | 75 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 25 Nm | 129 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 62 mm | 83.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 495 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4650 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1490 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1610 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2380 mm | 2820 mm |
