1988 Renault 21 vs. 2008 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Passat 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 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Passat (113 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 1988 Renault 21. (75 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1988 Renault 21. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 276 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 Volkswagen Passat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1988 Renault 21. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Passat will offer significantly more control. 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 Volkswagen Passat (172 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Renault 21. (129 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Renault 21.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Renault 21 | 2008 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Renault | Volkswagen |
| Model | 21 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1721 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 75 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 129 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 955 kg | 1231 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7 L/100km | 8.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 62 L |
