1989 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 1996 Renault Safrane
To start off, 1996 Renault Safrane is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 2,599 cc (6 cylinders), 1989 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Mercedes-Benz S (164 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1996 Renault Safrane. (141 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1996 Renault Safrane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Renault Safrane weights approximately 5 kg more than 1989 Mercedes-Benz S.
Because 1989 Mercedes-Benz S 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 1989 Mercedes-Benz S. 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, 1989 Mercedes-Benz S (228 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Renault Safrane. (200 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1989 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Renault Safrane. 1996 Renault Safrane has automatic transmission and 1989 Mercedes-Benz S has manual transmission. 1989 Mercedes-Benz S 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:
| 1989 Mercedes-Benz S | 1996 Renault Safrane | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Renault |
| Model | S | Safrane |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2599 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 164 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 228 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80.3 mm | 93 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | 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 | 1520 kg | 1525 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2770 mm |
