1987 Renault 21 vs. 2003 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2003 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Renault 21. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Renault 21 would be higher. At 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Renault 21 (75 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 2003 Volkswagen Golf. (73 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 Renault 21 should accelerate faster than 2003 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 262 kg more than 1987 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, 2003 Volkswagen Golf (140 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Renault 21. (130 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 2003 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Renault 21.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Renault 21 | 2003 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Renault | Volkswagen |
| Model | 21 | Golf |
| Year Released | 1987 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1721 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 75 HP | 73 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 130 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.5 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Top Speed | 176 km/hour | 163 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 955 kg | 1217 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7 L/100km | 5.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 55 L |
