1981 Honda Civic vs. 1986 Renault 21
To start off, 1986 Renault 21 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Honda Civic would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Renault 21 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Renault 21 (175 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 116 more horse power than 1981 Honda Civic. (59 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Renault 21 should accelerate faster than 1981 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Renault 21 weights approximately 560 kg more than 1981 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1986 Renault 21 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Honda Civic. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1986 Renault 21 will offer significantly more control. 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 (275 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 182 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Honda Civic. (93 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1986 Renault 21 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Honda Civic | 1986 Renault 21 | |
| Make | Honda | Renault |
| Model | Civic | 21 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1333 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 93 Nm | 275 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 72 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 785 kg | 1345 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3770 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2330 mm | 2670 mm |
