1990 Renault 21 vs. 2012 BMW 550
To start off, 2012 BMW 550 is newer by 22 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 4,400 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 550 (400 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 325 more horse power than 1990 Renault 21. (75 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 1990 Renault 21. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 550 weights approximately 1030 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 2012 BMW 550 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1990 Renault 21. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 BMW 550 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, 2012 BMW 550 (609 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 480 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Renault 21. (129 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Renault 21. 2012 BMW 550 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. 2012 BMW 550 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Renault 21 | 2012 BMW 550 | |
| Make | Renault | BMW |
| Model | 21 | 550 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1721 cc | 4400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 75 HP | 400 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 129 Nm | 609 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 2050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4650 mm | 4899 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2968 mm |
