1990 Renault 21 vs. 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Renault 21. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Renault 21 would be higher. At 1,721 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 Renault 21 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle (100 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1990 Renault 21. (75 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle should accelerate faster than 1990 Renault 21. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 185 kg more than 1990 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, 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle (152 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Renault 21. (129 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Renault 21.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Renault 21 | 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Renault | Volkswagen |
| Model | 21 | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2000 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1721 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 75 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 129 Nm | 152 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.5 mm | 77.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1205 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4650 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2520 mm |
