1961 Ford Taunus vs. 1986 Renault 21
To start off, 1986 Renault 21 is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Ford Taunus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Ford Taunus would be higher. At 1,719 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Renault 21 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Renault 21 (75 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1961 Ford Taunus. (53 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Renault 21 should accelerate faster than 1961 Ford Taunus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Ford Taunus weights approximately 5 kg more than 1986 Renault 21.
Because 1961 Ford Taunus 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 1961 Ford Taunus. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1986 Renault 21, 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, 1986 Renault 21 (129 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Ford Taunus. (111 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1986 Renault 21 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Ford Taunus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Ford Taunus | 1986 Renault 21 | |
| Make | Ford | Renault |
| Model | Taunus | 21 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1497 cc | 1719 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 75 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 111 Nm | 129 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 960 kg | 955 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 55 L |
