Renault Rodeo: Which Version Should You Buy?
Choosing a Renault Rodeo from the catalogue data comes down to three powertrain options and two generations. The first generation, produced from 1971 to 1981 as an SUV cabriolet, offers 0.8 MT, 1.1 MT and 1.1 AT versions. The second generation, produced from 1981 to 1987 with the same SUV cabriolet body type, offers only 0.8 MT.
Choosing a Renault Rodeo from the catalogue data comes down to three powertrain options and two generations. The first generation, produced from 1971 to 1981 as an SUV cabriolet, offers 0.8 MT, 1.1 MT and 1.1 AT versions. The second generation, produced from 1981 to 1987 with the same SUV cabriolet body type, offers only 0.8 MT. The strongest option is the first-generation 1.1 MT or 1.1 AT, each rated at 48 hp (35 kW), while both generations’ 0.8 MT produce 34 hp (25 kW). The 1.1 MT is the only listed AWD version; the others are FWD. Buyers wanting the newer generation have just one choice: the second-generation 0.8 MT.
Renault Rodeo generations and version choices
The first-generation Renault Rodeo was produced from 1971 to 1981. It is listed as an SUV cabriolet and has three versions: 0.8 MT, 1.1 MT and 1.1 AT. This generation provides the widest choice because it includes two engine displacements, Manual and Automatic transmissions, and FWD or AWD. All three versions have 140 mm of ground clearance, Independent, torsion front suspension and Drum front brakes.
The second-generation Renault Rodeo was produced from 1981 to 1987. It is also an SUV cabriolet, but its catalogue range contains only one version, 0.8 MT. Its engine output and basic powertrain specification match those of the earlier 0.8 MT: 800 cc, 34 hp (25 kW), Gasoline, four Inline cylinders, Carburetor, no boost, a four-speed Manual gearbox and FWD. The measurable changes are ground clearance, which rises from 140 mm to 145 mm, and the front brakes, which change from Drum to Disc.
Renault Rodeo engine and specs comparison
| Generation and version | Power | Displacement | Torque | Fuel | Cylinders and layout | Boost | Gearbox | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First generation 0.8 MT | 34 hp (25 kW) | 800 cc | not measured | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 4-speed Manual | FWD |
| First generation 1.1 MT | 48 hp (35 kW) | 1100 cc | not measured | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 4-speed Manual | AWD |
| First generation 1.1 AT | 48 hp (35 kW) | 1100 cc | not measured | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 4-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Second generation 0.8 MT | 34 hp (25 kW) | 800 cc | not measured | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 4-speed Manual | FWD |
The first-generation 1.1 MT and 1.1 AT gain 14 hp and 10 kW over either 0.8 MT. Their displacement is 300 cc greater, an increase of 37.5% over 800 cc, while their 48 hp output is about 41.2% higher than 34 hp.
Calculated from the catalogue figures, the 800 cc engine produces 42.5 hp per litre. The 1100 cc engine produces about 43.6 hp per litre, giving it roughly 1.1 hp per litre more. The 1.1 versions therefore provide both greater total output and slightly greater output per litre.
All listed engines use Gasoline, four Inline cylinders, a Carburetor and no boost. The 1.1 MT and 1.1 AT additionally specify two valves per cylinder and a Front, transverse engine location. Valves per cylinder and engine location for both 0.8 MT entries are not measured. All versions specify fuel grade 80.
Renault Rodeo performance and economy
Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h is not measured for the first-generation 0.8 MT, 1.1 MT or 1.1 AT, and it is also not measured for the second-generation 0.8 MT. Top speed is not measured for any version.
City fuel consumption, highway fuel consumption and combined fuel consumption are not measured for any of the four catalogue entries. Consequently, the supplied figures do not support a fuel-economy or mpg ranking between the 0.8 MT, 1.1 MT and 1.1 AT.
Torque is not measured for any version, so the engines cannot be compared by Nm. Power is the available performance measure: the first-generation 1.1 MT and 1.1 AT each have 48 hp, compared with 34 hp for the two 0.8 MT entries. Because kerb weight is not measured, weight per horsepower cannot be calculated without inventing a missing figure.
Renault Rodeo dimensions, weight and ground clearance
Complete Renault Rodeo dimensions are not measured in the supplied catalogue data. Kerb weight and gross weight are not measured for the first-generation 0.8 MT, 1.1 MT and 1.1 AT or the second-generation 0.8 MT. Tank capacity and wheel sizes are also not measured for every version.
Ground clearance is the only available dimensional comparison. Every first-generation version has 140 mm of clearance. The second-generation 0.8 MT has 145 mm, which is 5 mm more, or about 3.6% above the first-generation figure.
The front suspension is Independent, torsion throughout the range. First-generation versions have Drum front brakes, whereas the second-generation 0.8 MT has Disc front brakes. Rear suspension and rear brake specifications are not measured for any listed version.
Which Renault Rodeo version should you buy?
Choose the first-generation 1.1 MT if power and drive configuration are the priorities. Its 1100 cc engine develops 48 hp (35 kW), giving it 14 hp more than the 0.8 MT, and it is the only AWD entry. It combines AWD with a four-speed Manual gearbox, although its 140 mm ground clearance is 5 mm lower than that of the second-generation 0.8 MT.
Choose the first-generation 1.1 AT if you want the most powerful FWD version with an Automatic gearbox. It matches the 1.1 MT at 1100 cc and 48 hp (35 kW), but uses FWD and a four-speed Automatic transmission. No acceleration, top-speed or consumption figures are measured, so the data cannot establish a performance or economy advantage for either 1.1 transmission.
Choose the second-generation 0.8 MT if the later production period, extra ground clearance or revised front brake specification matters most. It has 145 mm of clearance—5 mm more than every first-generation version—and Disc rather than Drum front brakes. The trade-off is a smaller 800 cc engine with 34 hp (25 kW), leaving it 14 hp behind either 1.1 version. It is available only with a four-speed Manual gearbox and FWD in the supplied data.
Choose the first-generation 0.8 MT if you specifically want the earlier form of the same basic 800 cc, 34 hp Manual FWD powertrain. Compared with the second-generation 0.8 MT, it has the same displacement, power, cylinder layout, fuel system, transmission and drive type. Its measurable disadvantages are 5 mm less ground clearance and Drum instead of Disc front brakes.
There is no factual price comparison for a Renault Rodeo for sale, occasion listing or purchase because prices and sales offers are not included in the data. On specifications alone, the first-generation 1.1 MT is the clearest choice for maximum power plus AWD; the first-generation 1.1 AT is the Automatic alternative with the same 48 hp; and the second-generation 0.8 MT is the choice for 145 mm ground clearance and Disc front brakes.