2009 BMW 120 vs. 1990 Renault 21
To start off, 2009 BMW 120 is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Renault 21. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Renault 21 would be higher. At 2,068 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 Renault 21 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Renault 21 (175 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 2009 BMW 120. (169 HP @ 6700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Renault 21 should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 120 weights approximately 40 kg more than 1990 Renault 21.
Because 1990 Renault 21 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2009 BMW 120. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 Renault 21 will offer significantly more control. 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, 1990 Renault 21 (271 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 120. (210 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1990 Renault 21 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 120.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 120 | 1990 Renault 21 | |
| Make | BMW | Renault |
| Model | 120 | 21 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2068 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 169 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 82 mm |
| Top Speed | 220 km/hour | 222 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1345 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4650 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1420 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 62 L |
