Performance Review: Renault Clio 2.0 16V Williams - [1993]

Figures & Specs Summary:

Renault Clio Performance Review.

Introduction:

This edition of the Renault Clio 2.0 16V Williams is the 5 speed / Manual version and was first brought out in 1993. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 1994 McLaren F1 6.1 V12 and the 1993 Jaguar XJ 220 S 3.5 V6 Turbo.This particular Renault Clio has a 1998cc Naturally Aspirated Petrol powerplant with 4 cylinders in a St formation.

Alternative Petrol St4's includes the 2019 Ariel Atom 4 2.0 Turbo

The Clio shares its Petrol St4 engine configuration with the likes of the 2019 Ariel Atom 4 2.0 Turbo and the 2013 Caterham 7 620 R 2.0 L Supercharged. If you're looking for other fast cars which share the Clio's Front Wheel Drive, Hatchback combination then how about the 2022 Volkswagen-VW Golf R Performance 2.0 Turbo or the 2020 Toyota Avalon TRD 3.5 V6.

Power and Weight:

Weighing in at 1010 kgs (2226 lbs) this makes the Renault Clio 2.0 16V Williams in the same weight category as the 2014 Abarth 695 Biposto 1.4 Turbo or the give or take 50kg.

The Renault Clio shares the same bhp with the 2022 Mini Cooper Countryman John Cooper Works 1.5 Turbo (134 bhp)

In terms of power the 1998cc 16V St4 engine produces 150 bhp (111 kW) @ 6100 rpm similar to the 2022 Mini Cooper Countryman John Cooper Works 1.5 Turbo (134 bhp) or the 2020 Audi A1 A1 Sportback 35 TFSI S tronic S line (148 bhp).

The Naturally Aspirated St4 throws out 126 lb-ft (170.8 Nm) @ 4500 rpm placing it with cars of similar torque performance figures such as the 2015 Mazda MX5 2.0i Roadster Coupe (148 lb-ft) or the 2013 Subaru BRZ 2L 210ps (151 lb-ft).

Power to Weight:

If one combines the weight with power or torque performance for the Renault Clio you can get a better idea of it's real world performance.

The 1998 Audi A6 4.2 Quattro (173.5 bhp per ton) has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the Renault Clio.

The Renault Clio has a Power to weight ratio of 148.5 bhp per ton and 124.7 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 1993 Clio competing with the 1998 Audi A6 4.2 Quattro (173.5 bhp per ton) or the 2008 Honda Accord Coupe EX-L (173.4 bhp per ton).

Power to Weight(cont.):

If you agree with the late great Carroll Shelby then arguably an even better indicator of potential performance, Torque. Use weight as well and you end up with - Torque per ton, with the Renault Clio generating around 124.7 lb-ft per ton. If you're curious as to what other cars have as much torque to weight then look no further than the 1954 Jaguar XK 140 SE (149.7 lb-ft per ton) or the 2003 Seat Leon 1.8 20vt Cupra R 225 (149.7 lb-ft per ton).

Acceleration:

With a 0-60mph time of 7.70 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 8.0 secs, this made the Renault Clio 2.0 16V Williams as fast as the 2010 Citroen DS4 200 1.6 Turbo (7.70 secs) the 2006 Volkswagen-VW Polo 1.8T GTi (7.70 secs) the 2005 Audi Q7 4.2 V8 (7.70 secs) the or the 2005 Mitsubishi Colt CZT 1.5 Turbo (7.70 secs). This Renault Clio 2.0 16V Williams is also faster than the 2017 Ford Focus 2.0 ST-3 TDCi 185PS (7.80 secs) the 2015 Ford Focus 2.0 ST-2 TDCi 185PS (7.80 secs) the 2007 Lexus IS 250 AWD (7.80 secs) the and the 2001 MG ZT 2.5 V6 190 (7.80 secs).

Quarter Mile time is a close race between the Clio and the 2001 Renault Clio 3.0 V6 255

When talking about the performance of the Renault Clio on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 15.26 secs @ 89.7 mph. Similar performance down the quarter mile can be found with the the 2001 Renault Clio 3.0 V6 255 (15.19 secs), the 1957 Mercedes 300 SL II Roadster W198 (15.19 secs), and the 2005 Volkswagen-VW Golf R32 (15.19 secs).

Top Speed:

Modern performance cars are often artificially restricted to 155mph. The 1993 version of the Renault Clio 2.0 16V Williams has a maximum speed of 134mph.

Top Speed of the 1993 Clio equals the 2020 Lotus Elise Sport 220 1.8 Supercharged (145 mph)

If maxing out your car on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster than the 1993 Renault Clio 2.0 16V Williams then how about the 2020 Lotus Elise Sport 220 1.8 Supercharged (145 mph), the 2019 Lotus Exige Sport 350 Roadster 3.5 V6 (145 mph), or the 2018 Tesla Model 3 Long Range AWD (145 mph).

Related Links:

1993 Clio Rivals List.

A Brief History of Renault

Car Comparison