1988 Renault 21 vs. 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle 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. 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 27 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. (113 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Renault 21 should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 76 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 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1988 Renault 21 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Renault 21 | 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Renault | Volkswagen |
| Model | 21 | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 177 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Top Speed | 205 km/hour | 180 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.2 seconds | 10.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1155 kg | 1231 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4220 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2510 mm |
