1989 Renault 21 vs. 2008 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 19 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 1,968 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Passat (135 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 1989 Renault 21. (92 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1989 Renault 21. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 359 kg more than 1989 Renault 21. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 Passat (335 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 200 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Renault 21. (135 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Renault 21.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Renault 21 | 2008 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Renault | Volkswagen |
| Model | 21 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1721 cc | 1968 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 92 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 135 Nm | 335 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.5 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 18.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 179 km/hour | 211 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1086 kg | 1445 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2710 mm |
