1981 Renault 5 vs. 1999 Toyota Solara
To start off, 1999 Toyota Solara is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Renault 5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Renault 5 would be higher. At 2,164 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Toyota Solara is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Renault 5 (158 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1999 Toyota Solara. (133 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Renault 5 should accelerate faster than 1999 Toyota Solara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Toyota Solara weights approximately 330 kg more than 1981 Renault 5.
Because 1981 Renault 5 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 Renault 5. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Toyota Solara, 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 Renault 5 (221 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Toyota Solara. (199 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1981 Renault 5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Toyota Solara.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Renault 5 | 1999 Toyota Solara | |
| Make | Renault | Toyota |
| Model | 5 | Solara |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1397 cc | 2164 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 199 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76 mm | 87.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77 mm | 90.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1050 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2680 mm |
