2005 BMW 318 vs. 1989 Renault 21
To start off, 2005 BMW 318 is newer by 16 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 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 BMW 318 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 BMW 318 (113 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 1989 Renault 21. (75 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 1989 Renault 21. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 BMW 318 weights approximately 340 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.
Because 2005 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 2005 BMW 318. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 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, 2005 BMW 318 (167 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 38 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Renault 21. (129 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 2005 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Renault 21.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 BMW 318 | 1989 Renault 21 | |
| Make | BMW | Renault |
| Model | 318 | 21 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1721 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 75 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 129 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 83.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 55 L |
