1996 Renault Safrane vs. 2008 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 12 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, 2008 Volkswagen Golf (197 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 1996 Renault Safrane. (141 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1996 Renault Safrane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Renault Safrane weights approximately 187 kg more than 2008 Volkswagen Golf.
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, 2008 Volkswagen Golf (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Renault Safrane. (200 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Renault Safrane.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Renault Safrane | 2008 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Renault | Volkswagen |
| Model | Safrane | Golf |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.7 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 1338 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4220 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 55 L |
