1990 Renault 21 vs. 2004 Renault Vel Satis
To start off, 2004 Renault Vel Satis is newer by 14 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 2,188 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Renault Vel Satis is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Renault Vel Satis (148 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 73 more horse power than 1990 Renault 21. (75 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Renault Vel Satis should accelerate faster than 1990 Renault 21. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Renault Vel Satis weights approximately 715 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, 2004 Renault Vel Satis (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 191 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Renault 21. (129 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 2004 Renault Vel Satis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Renault 21. 2004 Renault Vel Satis has automatic transmission and 1990 Renault 21 has manual transmission. 1990 Renault 21 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Renault Vel Satis will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Renault 21 | 2004 Renault Vel Satis | |
| Make | Renault | Renault |
| Model | 21 | Vel Satis |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1721 cc | 2188 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 75 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 129 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.5 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1735 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4650 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1580 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2700 mm |
