2002 Citroen C3 vs. 1986 Renault 21
To start off, 2002 Citroen C3 is newer by 16 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 1,721 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Renault 21 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Citroen C3 (108 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 1986 Renault 21. (75 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Citroen C3 should accelerate faster than 1986 Renault 21. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Renault 21 weights approximately 10 kg more than 2002 Citroen C3.
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, 1986 Renault 21 (129 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Citroen C3. (110 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1986 Renault 21 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Citroen C3. 2002 Citroen C3 has automatic transmission and 1986 Renault 21 has manual transmission. 1986 Renault 21 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Citroen C3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Citroen C3 | 1986 Renault 21 | |
| Make | Citroen | Renault |
| Model | C3 | 21 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1587 cc | 1721 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 75 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 129 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78.5 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 83.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Top Speed | 192 km/hour | 176 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 12.9 seconds | 12 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 945 kg | 955 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 66 L |
