1996 Renault Megane vs. 1997 Renault Safrane
To start off, 1997 Renault Safrane is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Renault Megane. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Renault Megane would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Renault Safrane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Renault Safrane (142 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 1996 Renault Megane. (106 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Renault Safrane should accelerate faster than 1996 Renault Megane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Renault Safrane weights approximately 355 kg more than 1996 Renault Megane. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1997 Renault Safrane (200 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 52 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Renault Megane. (148 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1997 Renault Safrane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Renault Megane. 1996 Renault Megane has automatic transmission and 1997 Renault Safrane has manual transmission. 1997 Renault Safrane will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Renault Megane will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Renault Megane | 1997 Renault Safrane | |
| Make | Renault | Renault |
| Model | Megane | Safrane |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 106 HP | 142 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79.6 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80.5 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 1525 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3970 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 38 L |
