1988 Renault 21 vs. 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 17 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Renault 21 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Renault 21 (140 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle. (114 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Renault 21 should accelerate faster than 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 243 kg more than 1988 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, 1988 Renault 21 (177 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle. (170 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1988 Renault 21 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Renault 21 | 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Renault | Volkswagen |
| Model | 21 | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 177 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Top Speed | 205 km/hour | 185 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.2 seconds | 11.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1155 kg | 1398 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2520 mm |
