1990 Renault 21 vs. 2007 Volvo V50
To start off, 2007 Volvo V50 is newer by 17 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 2,519 cc (5 cylinders), 2007 Volvo V50 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Volvo V50 (217 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 142 more horse power than 1990 Renault 21. (75 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Volvo V50 should accelerate faster than 1990 Renault 21. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Volvo V50 weights approximately 524 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.
Because 2007 Volvo V50 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1990 Renault 21. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 Volvo V50 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, 2007 Volvo V50 (320 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 191 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Renault 21. (129 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 2007 Volvo V50 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Renault 21.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Renault 21 | 2007 Volvo V50 | |
| Make | Renault | Volvo |
| Model | 21 | V50 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1720 cc | 2519 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 75 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 129 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.5 mm | 93.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 176 km/hour | 230 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 955 kg | 1479 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7 L/100km | 9.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 62 L |
