1987 Renault 21 vs. 2011 BMW 120
To start off, 2011 BMW 120 is newer by 24 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. Both 1987 Renault 21 and 2011 BMW 120 are equipped with a 1,995 cc engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Renault 21 (175 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 2011 BMW 120. (168 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 Renault 21 should accelerate faster than 2011 BMW 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 120 weights approximately 136 kg more than 1987 Renault 21.
Because 2011 BMW 120 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 2011 BMW 120. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1987 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, 2011 BMW 120 (340 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Renault 21. (270 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Renault 21.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Renault 21 | 2011 BMW 120 | |
| Make | Renault | BMW |
| Model | 21 | 120 |
| Year Released | 1987 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 270 Nm | 340 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 16.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 227 km/hour | 218 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1190 kg | 1326 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4650 mm | 4230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1440 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2670 mm |
