1986 Renault 21 vs. 2010 Smart ForTwo
To start off, 2010 Smart ForTwo is newer by 24 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 1,721 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Renault 21 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Renault 21 (75 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 2010 Smart ForTwo. (70 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 Renault 21 should accelerate faster than 2010 Smart ForTwo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Renault 21 weights approximately 115 kg more than 2010 Smart ForTwo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2010 Smart ForTwo 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 2010 Smart ForTwo. 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 (129 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 37 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 Smart ForTwo. (92 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1986 Renault 21 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 Smart ForTwo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Renault 21 | 2010 Smart ForTwo | |
| Make | Renault | Smart |
| Model | 21 | ForTwo |
| Year Released | 1986 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1721 cc | 1000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 75 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 129 Nm | 92 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 955 kg | 840 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 2695 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1542 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 1867 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 66 L | 33 L |
