2004 Renault Clio vs. 1981 Vauxhall Chevette
To start off, 2004 Renault Clio is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Vauxhall Chevette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Vauxhall Chevette would be higher. At 1,390 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Renault Clio is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Renault Clio (98 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1981 Vauxhall Chevette. (56 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Renault Clio should accelerate faster than 1981 Vauxhall Chevette. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Renault Clio weights approximately 200 kg more than 1981 Vauxhall Chevette. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 Vauxhall Chevette 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 1981 Vauxhall Chevette. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Renault Clio, 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 Renault Clio (127 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 38 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Vauxhall Chevette. (89 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2004 Renault Clio will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Vauxhall Chevette.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Renault Clio | 1981 Vauxhall Chevette | |
| Make | Renault | Vauxhall |
| Model | Clio | Chevette |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1390 cc | 1256 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 98 HP | 56 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 127 Nm | 89 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79.5 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 61 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1055 kg | 855 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3780 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2400 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 45 L |
