1988 Renault 21 vs. 2004 Honda Civic
To start off, 2004 Honda Civic is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Renault 21. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Renault 21 would be higher. At 1,870 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Renault 21 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Honda Civic (108 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1988 Renault 21. (64 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1988 Renault 21. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Renault 21 weights approximately 265 kg more than 2004 Honda Civic.
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, 2004 Honda Civic (144 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Renault 21. (118 Nm @ 2250 RPM). This means 2004 Honda Civic will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Renault 21. 2004 Honda Civic has automatic transmission and 1988 Renault 21 has manual transmission. 1988 Renault 21 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Honda Civic will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Renault 21 | 2004 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Renault | Honda |
| Model | 21 | Civic |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1870 cc | 1668 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 64 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 118 Nm | 144 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2250 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 75.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 21.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1105 kg | 840 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4650 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2540 mm |
