1984 BMW 318 vs. 1996 Renault Safrane
To start off, 1996 Renault Safrane is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 BMW 318 would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Renault Safrane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Renault Safrane (141 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 1984 BMW 318. (103 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Renault Safrane should accelerate faster than 1984 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Renault Safrane weights approximately 525 kg more than 1984 BMW 318. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1984 BMW 318 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 1984 BMW 318. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 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, 1996 Renault Safrane (200 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 BMW 318. (145 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1996 Renault Safrane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 BMW 318. 1996 Renault Safrane has automatic transmission and 1984 BMW 318 has manual transmission. 1984 BMW 318 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Renault Safrane will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 BMW 318 | 1996 Renault Safrane | |
| Make | BMW | Renault |
| Model | 318 | Safrane |
| Year Released | 1984 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1766 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 103 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1525 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 38 L |
