1979 Renault 5 vs. 2009 Saturn Aura
To start off, 2009 Saturn Aura is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Renault 5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Renault 5 would be higher. At 2,382 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Saturn Aura is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Saturn Aura (167 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1979 Renault 5. (159 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Saturn Aura should accelerate faster than 1979 Renault 5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Saturn Aura weights approximately 359 kg more than 1979 Renault 5. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Renault 5 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 1979 Renault 5. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Saturn Aura, 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, 1979 Renault 5 (221 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Saturn Aura. (160 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1979 Renault 5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Saturn Aura. 2009 Saturn Aura has automatic transmission and 1979 Renault 5 has manual transmission. 1979 Renault 5 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Saturn Aura will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Renault 5 | 2009 Saturn Aura | |
| Make | Renault | Saturn |
| Model | 5 | Aura |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1397 cc | 2382 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 159 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.0:1 | 10.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 970 kg | 1329 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 4860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 56 L | 61 L |
