1980 Renault 5 vs. 1988 Saab 9000
To start off, 1988 Saab 9000 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Renault 5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Renault 5 would be higher. At 1,985 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Saab 9000 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Saab 9000 (175 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1980 Renault 5. (158 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Saab 9000 should accelerate faster than 1980 Renault 5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Saab 9000 weights approximately 363 kg more than 1980 Renault 5. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 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 1980 Renault 5. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Saab 9000, 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, 1988 Saab 9000 (278 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 57 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Renault 5. (221 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 1988 Saab 9000 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Renault 5.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Renault 5 | 1988 Saab 9000 | |
| Make | Renault | Saab |
| Model | 5 | 9000 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1397 cc | 1985 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 278 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 209 km/hour | 211 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 970 kg | 1333 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2670 mm |
