1968 Fiat 124 vs. 1990 Renault 21
To start off, 1990 Renault 21 is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Fiat 124. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Fiat 124 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 5 more horse power than 1968 Fiat 124. (70 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Renault 21 should accelerate faster than 1968 Fiat 124. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Renault 21 weights approximately 80 kg more than 1968 Fiat 124. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1968 Fiat 124 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 1968 Fiat 124. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 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, 1990 Renault 21 (129 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Fiat 124. (112 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1990 Renault 21 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Fiat 124.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Fiat 124 | 1990 Renault 21 | |
| Make | Fiat | Renault |
| Model | 124 | 21 |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1438 cc | 1721 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 75 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 112 Nm | 129 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 77 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 83.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 940 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4070 mm | 4650 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2820 mm |
