France vs France — 2004 vs 1989
| Mégane RS 250 Cup | 21 Turbo Quadra | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 250 hp | 175 hp |
| Torque | 251 lb-ft | 203 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 1,998 cc | 1,995 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 5.8 sec | 7.0 sec |
| Top Speed | 155 mph | 146 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 14.2 sec | 15.2 sec |
| Weight | — | 2,888 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,639 mm | 2,656 mm |
| Length | 4,299 mm | 4,497 mm |
| Value (Excellent) | $35,000 | $25,000 |
| Collectibility | 5/10 | 6/10 |
| Rarity | 4/10 | 7/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 2004 Renault Mégane RS 250 Cup brings more power, quicker acceleration, higher top speed to the table, and the 1989 Renault 21 Turbo Quadra answers with stronger collectibility, better value. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.
Renault has long offered a diverse lineup, and comparing the 2004 Renault Mégane RS 250 Cup with the 1989 Renault 21 Turbo Quadra highlights the breadth of the marque's engineering philosophy. The 2004 Renault Mégane RS 250 Cup holds a clear advantage in raw power with 250 hp compared to 175 hp, a 75-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Renault Mégane uses a Inline-4 DOHC 16V Turbocharged displacing 1,998 cc, while the Renault 21 relies on a Inline-4 SOHC Turbo with 1,995 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 2004 Renault Mégane RS 250 Cup edges ahead at 5.8 seconds versus 7.0 seconds. Each of these machines offers a unique window into the era that produced it, making both worthy of consideration by collectors and drivers alike.