1990 BMW 316 vs. 1986 Renault 21
To start off, 1990 BMW 316 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Renault 21. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Renault 21 would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Renault 21 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Renault 21 (175 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 1990 BMW 316. (100 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Renault 21 should accelerate faster than 1990 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Renault 21 weights approximately 265 kg more than 1990 BMW 316. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1986 Renault 21 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1990 BMW 316. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1986 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, 1986 Renault 21 (275 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 134 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW 316. (141 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1986 Renault 21 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 BMW 316 | 1986 Renault 21 | |
| Make | BMW | Renault |
| Model | 316 | 21 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 141 Nm | 275 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1080 kg | 1345 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2670 mm |
