1988 BMW 525 vs. 1997 Renault Safrane
To start off, 1997 Renault Safrane is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW 525. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW 525 would be higher. At 2,443 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW 525 (168 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1997 Renault Safrane. (142 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 1997 Renault Safrane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Renault Safrane weights approximately 65 kg more than 1988 BMW 525.
Because 1988 BMW 525 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 1988 BMW 525. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 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, 1988 BMW 525 (226 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Renault Safrane. (200 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1988 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Renault Safrane.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 525 | 1997 Renault Safrane | |
| Make | BMW | Renault |
| Model | 525 | Safrane |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2443 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 142 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 226 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.1 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1460 kg | 1525 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 38 L |
