1986 Renault 21 vs. 1986 Volvo 242
To start off, both 1986 Renault 21 and 1986 Volvo 242 were released in the same year (1986). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 2,067 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Renault 21 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Volvo 242 (97 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1986 Renault 21. (90 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Volvo 242 should accelerate faster than 1986 Renault 21. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Volvo 242 weights approximately 157 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 1986 Volvo 242 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 1986 Volvo 242. 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 (182 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Volvo 242. (157 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1986 Renault 21 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Volvo 242.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Renault 21 | 1986 Volvo 242 | |
| Make | Renault | Volvo |
| Model | 21 | 242 |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2067 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 97 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 182 Nm | 157 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 93 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1133 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2660 mm |
