2004 BMW 318 vs. 1987 Renault 21
To start off, 2004 BMW 318 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Renault 21. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Renault 21 would be higher. Both 2004 BMW 318 and 1987 Renault 21 are equipped with a 1,995 cc engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Renault 21 (175 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 2004 BMW 318. (113 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 Renault 21 should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 318 weights approximately 280 kg more than 1987 Renault 21.
Because 2004 BMW 318 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2004 BMW 318. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1987 Renault 21, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2004 BMW 318 (355 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Renault 21. (270 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2004 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Renault 21.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW 318 | 1987 Renault 21 | |
| Make | BMW | Renault |
| Model | 318 | 21 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1987 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 355 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 202 km/hour | 227 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1470 kg | 1190 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4650 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2610 mm |
