Renault 9 Specs, Generations and Engine Range (1981–1989)
Full Renault 9 specs overview: sedan built from 1981 to 1989 with 48–115 hp engines, one generation, 23 modifications, and advice on which version to buy.
The Renault 9 is a compact front-wheel-drive sedan produced from 1981 to 1989, with engine outputs spanning 48 to 115 hp. If you are checking renault 9 specs before buying, the lineup is simple: one generation, one body style, and a choice between manual and automatic gearboxes. It suits buyers looking for a straightforward classic European sedan from the 1980s.
Renault 9 generations
1 generation (1981–1989)
The single generation of the Renault 9 was built from 1981 to 1989 exclusively as a sedan, always with front-wheel drive. Power output across the range runs from 48 hp to 115 hp, and the model was offered with both manual and automatic transmissions. In total the generation counts 23 modifications. Notable versions include the mass-market 1.7 MT with a 1721 cc engine producing 73 hp, the top 1.4 MT with a 1390 cc engine producing 115 hp, and the 1.6 MT diesel with a 1595 cc engine producing 55 hp. The 115 hp 1.4-litre version stands out for extracting the highest output of the range from one of the smallest displacements in the lineup, while the diesel targets buyers who prioritize a compression-ignition engine over outright power.
Which Renault 9 to buy
- 1.7 MT (73 hp) (1 generation): the mass-market choice, its 1721 cc engine delivers 73 hp — a middle point in the 48–115 hp range that pairs the largest listed displacement with the widest availability.
- 1.4 MT (115 hp) (1 generation): the most powerful version of the model at 115 hp from a 1390 cc engine, the clear pick if performance matters.
- 1.6 MT (1 generation): the diesel option with 55 hp from a 1595 cc engine, for those who specifically want a diesel Renault 9.
When buying used, remember that every Renault 9 dates from 1981–1989, so age is the same across the range and the choice comes down to engine and gearbox rather than generation. The single-generation, single-body lineup keeps the search simple: all 23 modifications share the same sedan platform and front-wheel-drive layout.
All three highlighted versions come with a manual gearbox, though the wider range of 23 modifications also includes automatic-equipped variants for buyers who prefer two-pedal driving. Whichever version you choose, the specs above — years, displacement, power and drivetrain — are the key numbers to verify against the specific car on offer.