1981 Porsche 944 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 Porsche 944. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Porsche 944 would be higher. At 2,479 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Porsche 944 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Porsche 944 (145 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 81 more horse power than 1986 Renault 21. (64 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Porsche 944 should accelerate faster than 1986 Renault 21. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Porsche 944 weights approximately 295 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 1981 Porsche 944 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 1981 Porsche 944. 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, 1981 Porsche 944 (195 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 77 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Renault 21. (118 Nm @ 2250 RPM). This means 1981 Porsche 944 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Renault 21.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Porsche 944 | 1986 Renault 21 | |
| Make | Porsche | Renault |
| Model | 944 | 21 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2479 cc | 1870 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 64 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 195 Nm | 118 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 100 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.9 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 21.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1345 kg | 1050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2670 mm |
