1989 Renault 21 vs. 2001 Smart ForTwo
To start off, 2001 Smart ForTwo is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Renault 21. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Renault 21 would be higher. At 1,721 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Renault 21 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Renault 21 (75 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 2001 Smart ForTwo. (40 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Renault 21 should accelerate faster than 2001 Smart ForTwo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Renault 21 weights approximately 145 kg more than 2001 Smart ForTwo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2001 Smart ForTwo is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2001 Smart ForTwo. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Renault 21, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 (129 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Smart ForTwo. (100 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1989 Renault 21 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Smart ForTwo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Renault 21 | 2001 Smart ForTwo | |
| Make | Renault | Smart |
| Model | 21 | ForTwo |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1721 cc | 798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 75 HP | 40 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 129 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 18.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 960 kg | 815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 2510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 1820 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7 L/100km | 3.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 22 L |
