1978 Lada 1600 vs. 1986 Renault 21
To start off, 1986 Renault 21 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Lada 1600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Lada 1600 would be higher. At 1,721 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Renault 21 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Lada 1600 (78 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1986 Renault 21. (75 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Lada 1600 should accelerate faster than 1986 Renault 21. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Lada 1600 weights approximately 75 kg more than 1986 Renault 21. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Lada 1600 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 1978 Lada 1600. 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 7 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Lada 1600. (122 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1986 Renault 21 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Lada 1600.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Lada 1600 | 1986 Renault 21 | |
| Make | Lada | Renault |
| Model | 1600 | 21 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1568 cc | 1721 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 78 HP | 75 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 122 Nm | 129 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 83.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Top Speed | 140 km/hour | 176 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 955 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4070 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 39 L | 66 L |
