1988 Renault 21 vs. 2008 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Polo 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 1,870 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Renault 21 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Polo (74 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1988 Renault 21. (64 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Polo should accelerate faster than 1988 Renault 21. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Renault 21 weights approximately 15 kg more than 2008 Volkswagen Polo.
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, 2008 Volkswagen Polo (195 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 77 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Renault 21. (118 Nm @ 2250 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Polo 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 Polo | |
| Make | Renault | Volkswagen |
| Model | 21 | Polo |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1870 cc | 1422 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 64 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 118 Nm | 195 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2250 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 21.5:1 | 19.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1105 kg | 1090 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4650 mm | 3910 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2470 mm |
