2003 Alfa Romeo 166 vs. 1989 Renault 21
To start off, 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Renault 21. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Renault 21 would be higher. At 2,492 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 (185 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 94 more horse power than 1989 Renault 21. (91 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 should accelerate faster than 1989 Renault 21. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 weights approximately 360 kg more than 1989 Renault 21. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 83 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Renault 21. (138 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Renault 21.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 | 1989 Renault 21 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Renault |
| Model | 166 | 21 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2492 cc | 1721 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 91 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 138 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1435 kg | 1075 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4650 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2820 mm |
