1996 Renault Safrane vs. 2003 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 2003 Volkswagen Polo 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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Renault Safrane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Renault Safrane (141 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 2003 Volkswagen Polo. (98 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Renault Safrane should accelerate faster than 2003 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Renault Safrane weights approximately 419 kg more than 2003 Volkswagen Polo. 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 Polo (240 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Renault Safrane. (200 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2003 Volkswagen Polo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Renault Safrane.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Renault Safrane | 2003 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Renault | Volkswagen |
| Model | Safrane | Polo |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1895 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 98 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.7 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 1106 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 3910 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 45 L |
