1988 BMW M3 vs. 1996 Renault Safrane
To start off, 1996 Renault Safrane is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW M3 would be higher. At 2,303 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW M3 (221 HP @ 6750 RPM) has 107 more horse power than 1996 Renault Safrane. (114 HP @ 4300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1996 Renault Safrane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Renault Safrane weights approximately 450 kg more than 1988 BMW M3.
Because 1988 BMW M3 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 M3. 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, 1988 BMW M3 (245 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Renault Safrane. (234 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1988 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Renault Safrane.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW M3 | 1996 Renault Safrane | |
| Make | BMW | Renault |
| Model | M3 | Safrane |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2303 cc | 2187 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 221 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6750 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 234 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 1650 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 80 L |
