1962 BMW 1500 vs. 1987 Renault 21
To start off, 1987 Renault 21 is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 BMW 1500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 BMW 1500 would be higher. At 1,869 cc (4 cylinders), 1987 Renault 21 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1962 BMW 1500 (80 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 1987 Renault 21. (64 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1962 BMW 1500 should accelerate faster than 1987 Renault 21. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Renault 21 weights approximately 62 kg more than 1962 BMW 1500.
Because 1962 BMW 1500 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 1962 BMW 1500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1987 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, both vehicles can yield 118 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 BMW 1500 | 1987 Renault 21 | |
| Make | BMW | Renault |
| Model | 1500 | 21 |
| Year Released | 1962 | 1987 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1499 cc | 1869 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 80 HP | 64 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 118 Nm | 118 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 21.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1043 kg | 1105 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4650 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2820 mm |
