1986 Renault 21 vs. 2012 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 26 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Renault 21 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Renault 21 (175 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. (138 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 Renault 21 should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 187 kg more than 1986 Renault 21.
Because 1986 Renault 21 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1986 Renault 21 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2012 Volkswagen Passat (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Renault 21. (275 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Renault 21.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Renault 21 | 2012 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Renault | Volkswagen |
| Model | 21 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1986 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 275 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1345 kg | 1532 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4769 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2712 mm |
