1996 Citroen XM vs. 1986 Renault 21
To start off, 1996 Citroen XM is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Renault 21. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Renault 21 would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Renault 21 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Renault 21 (120 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1996 Citroen XM. (115 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Renault 21 should accelerate faster than 1996 Citroen XM. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Citroen XM weights approximately 145 kg more than 1986 Renault 21.
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, 1996 Citroen XM (174 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Renault 21. (168 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1996 Citroen XM will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Renault 21.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Citroen XM | 1986 Renault 21 | |
| Make | Citroen | Renault |
| Model | XM | 21 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1996 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 88.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 1135 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4650 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2760 mm |
