2008 BMW X3 vs. 1989 Renault 21
To start off, 2008 BMW X3 is newer by 19 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), 2008 BMW X3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW X3 (189 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 114 more horse power than 1989 Renault 21. (75 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW X3 should accelerate faster than 1989 Renault 21. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW X3 weights approximately 780 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 2008 BMW X3 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 2008 BMW X3. 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, 2008 BMW X3 (245 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 116 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Renault 21. (129 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 2008 BMW X3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Renault 21.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW X3 | 1989 Renault 21 | |
| Make | BMW | Renault |
| Model | X3 | 21 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2492 cc | 1721 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 75 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 129 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 83.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 213 km/hour | 176 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1740 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.9 L/100km | 7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 55 L |
