1986 Renault 21 vs. 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 19 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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Renault 21 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Renault 21 (120 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle. (74 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 Renault 21 should accelerate faster than 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 24 kg more than 1986 Renault 21.
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 (168 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle. (126 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1986 Renault 21 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Renault 21 | 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Renault | Volkswagen |
| Model | 21 | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1986 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1390 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88.1 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 75.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1135 kg | 1159 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4650 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2520 mm |
