1988 Renault 21 vs. 2008 BMW 118
To start off, 2008 BMW 118 is newer by 20 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. Both 1988 Renault 21 and 2008 BMW 118 are equipped with a 1,995 cc engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 118 (141 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1988 Renault 21. (140 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 118 should accelerate faster than 1988 Renault 21. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 118 weights approximately 230 kg more than 1988 Renault 21. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 BMW 118 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 2008 BMW 118. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 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, 2008 BMW 118 (300 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 123 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Renault 21. (177 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 118 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Renault 21. 2008 BMW 118 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. 2008 BMW 118 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Renault 21 | 2008 BMW 118 | |
| Make | Renault | BMW |
| Model | 21 | 118 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 177 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Top Speed | 205 km/hour | 205 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.2 seconds | 8.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1155 kg | 1385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2670 mm |
