1986 Renault 21 vs. 1981 Vauxhall Astra
To start off, 1986 Renault 21 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Vauxhall Astra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Vauxhall Astra would be higher. At 2,067 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Renault 21 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Renault 21 (87 HP @ 4250 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1981 Vauxhall Astra. (59 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 Renault 21 should accelerate faster than 1981 Vauxhall Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Renault 21 weights approximately 295 kg more than 1981 Vauxhall Astra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 (185 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 97 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Vauxhall Astra. (88 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1986 Renault 21 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Vauxhall Astra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Renault 21 | 1981 Vauxhall Astra | |
| Make | Renault | Vauxhall |
| Model | 21 | Astra |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2067 cc | 1196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 87 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 185 Nm | 88 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 61 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1135 kg | 840 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4010 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2520 mm |
