1986 Renault 21 vs. 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Renault 21. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Renault 21 would be higher. At 1,983 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle (113 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 1986 Renault 21. (75 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle should accelerate faster than 1986 Renault 21. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 445 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.
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, 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle (165 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Renault 21. (129 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Renault 21.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Renault 21 | 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Renault | Volkswagen |
| Model | 21 | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1986 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1721 cc | 1983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 75 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 129 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.5 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 955 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 66 L | 55 L |
