1990 Renault 21 vs. 2009 Volvo S80
To start off, 2009 Volvo S80 is newer by 19 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 2,953 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Volvo S80 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Volvo S80 (282 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 207 more horse power than 1990 Renault 21. (75 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volvo S80 should accelerate faster than 1990 Renault 21. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volvo S80 weights approximately 578 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 2009 Volvo S80 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, 2009 Volvo S80 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, 2009 Volvo S80 (400 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 271 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Renault 21. (129 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 2009 Volvo S80 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Renault 21. 2009 Volvo S80 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. 2009 Volvo S80 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Renault 21 | 2009 Volvo S80 | |
| Make | Renault | Volvo |
| Model | 21 | S80 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1721 cc | 2953 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 75 HP | 282 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 129 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1598 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4650 mm | 4860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2840 mm |
