1996 Renault Safrane vs. 2003 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2003 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Renault Safrane. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Renault Safrane would be higher. At 2,495 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Volkswagen Passat (160 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1996 Renault Safrane. (141 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1996 Renault Safrane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 47 kg more than 1996 Renault Safrane. 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, 2003 Volkswagen Passat (326 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 126 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Renault Safrane. (200 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2003 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Renault Safrane. 2003 Volkswagen Passat has automatic transmission and 1996 Renault Safrane has manual transmission. 1996 Renault Safrane will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Volkswagen Passat will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Renault Safrane | 2003 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Renault | Volkswagen |
| Model | Safrane | Passat |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 2495 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 326 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.7 mm | 78.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 18.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 1572 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 62 L |
