1989 Renault 21 vs. 1971 Renault 17
To start off, 1989 Renault 21 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Renault 17. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Renault 17 would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Renault 21 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Renault 21 (118 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1971 Renault 17. (108 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Renault 21 should accelerate faster than 1971 Renault 17. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Renault 21 weights approximately 195 kg more than 1971 Renault 17. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1989 Renault 21 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1971 Renault 17. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Renault 21 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, 1989 Renault 21 (169 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Renault 17. (133 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1989 Renault 21 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Renault 17.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Renault 21 | 1971 Renault 17 | |
| Make | Renault | Renault |
| Model | 21 | 17 |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1565 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 169 Nm | 133 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 84 mm |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 1055 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4650 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2440 mm |
