2007 BMW 318 vs. 1987 Renault 21
To start off, 2007 BMW 318 is newer by 20 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. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 1987 Renault 21 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Renault 21 (175 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 2007 BMW 318. (148 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 Renault 21 should accelerate faster than 2007 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 BMW 318 weights approximately 390 kg more than 1987 Renault 21.
Because 2007 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 2007 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, 1987 Renault 21 (270 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 BMW 318. (200 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1987 Renault 21 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 BMW 318 | 1987 Renault 21 | |
| Make | BMW | Renault |
| Model | 318 | 21 |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1987 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1994 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 207 km/hour | 227 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1580 kg | 1190 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4650 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2610 mm |
