1996 Renault Safrane vs. 1981 Renault 5
To start off, 1996 Renault Safrane is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Renault 5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Renault 5 would be higher. At 2,187 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Renault Safrane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Renault 5 (158 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1996 Renault Safrane. (114 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Renault 5 should accelerate faster than 1996 Renault Safrane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Renault Safrane weights approximately 600 kg more than 1981 Renault 5.
Because 1981 Renault 5 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 1981 Renault 5. 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 (234 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Renault 5. (221 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 1996 Renault Safrane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Renault 5.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Renault Safrane | 1981 Renault 5 | |
| Make | Renault | Renault |
| Model | Safrane | 5 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2187 cc | 1397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 234 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1650 kg | 1050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 3670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 51 L |
