1988 Renault 21 vs. 2012 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 24 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 1,721 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Renault 21 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Renault 21 (75 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Polo. (74 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Renault 21 should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Polo weights approximately 177 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, 2012 Volkswagen Polo (180 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 51 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Renault 21. (129 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 2012 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 | 2012 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Renault | Volkswagen |
| Model | 21 | Polo |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1721 cc | 1200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 75 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 129 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 171 km/hour | 170 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 955 kg | 1132 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 3970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1682 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1462 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7 L/100km | 3.9 L/100km |
