1976 Mercedes-Benz 200 vs. 1998 Renault Safrane
To start off, 1998 Renault Safrane is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Mercedes-Benz 200. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Mercedes-Benz 200 would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Renault Safrane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Renault Safrane (141 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 200. (104 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Renault Safrane should accelerate faster than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 200. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Renault Safrane weights approximately 185 kg more than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 200. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1976 Mercedes-Benz 200 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 1976 Mercedes-Benz 200. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Renault Safrane, 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, 1998 Renault Safrane (200 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 200. (164 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1998 Renault Safrane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 200.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Mercedes-Benz 200 | 1998 Renault Safrane | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Renault |
| Model | 200 | Safrane |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 164 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 82.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80.3 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1340 kg | 1525 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 38 L |
