1988 BMW 525 vs. 1986 Renault 21
To start off, 1988 BMW 525 is newer by 2 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 2,443 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW 525 (168 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 81 more horse power than 1986 Renault 21. (87 HP @ 4250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 1986 Renault 21. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 525 weights approximately 325 kg more than 1986 Renault 21. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 BMW 525 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 1988 BMW 525. 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, 1988 BMW 525 (226 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Renault 21. (185 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1988 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Renault 21.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 525 | 1986 Renault 21 | |
| Make | BMW | Renault |
| Model | 525 | 21 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2443 cc | 2067 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 87 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Torque | 226 Nm | 185 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.1 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 21.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1460 kg | 1135 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2670 mm |
