2009 BMW 525 vs. 1989 Renault 21
To start off, 2009 BMW 525 is newer by 20 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 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 525 (175 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 84 more horse power than 1989 Renault 21. (91 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 1989 Renault 21. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 525 weights approximately 675 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 2009 BMW 525 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 2009 BMW 525. 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, 2009 BMW 525 (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 262 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Renault 21. (138 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Renault 21.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 525 | 1989 Renault 21 | |
| Make | BMW | Renault |
| Model | 525 | 21 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 1721 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 91 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 138 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1750 kg | 1075 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4650 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2820 mm |
