2009 BMW 550 vs. 1988 Renault 21
To start off, 2009 BMW 550 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Renault 21. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Renault 21 would be higher. At 4,799 cc, 2009 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 550 (362 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 222 more horse power than 1988 Renault 21. (140 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 1988 Renault 21. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 550 weights approximately 507 kg more than 1988 Renault 21. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 BMW 550 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 550. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 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 550 (490 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 313 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Renault 21. (177 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Renault 21. 2009 BMW 550 has automatic transmission and 1988 Renault 21 has manual transmission. 1988 Renault 21 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 BMW 550 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 550 | 1988 Renault 21 | |
| Make | BMW | Renault |
| Model | 550 | 21 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4799 cc | 1995 cc |
| Horse Power | 362 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 490 Nm | 177 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.3 mm | 82 mm |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 205 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.9 seconds | 9.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1662 kg | 1155 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1470 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2610 mm |
