1996 Renault Safrane vs. 2011 BMW M3
To start off, 2011 BMW M3 is newer by 15 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 3,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 273 more horse power than 1996 Renault Safrane. (141 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1996 Renault Safrane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW M3 weights approximately 360 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.
Because 2011 BMW M3 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 2011 BMW M3. 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, 2011 BMW M3 (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 200 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Renault Safrane. (200 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2011 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Renault Safrane.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Renault Safrane | 2011 BMW M3 | |
| Make | Renault | BMW |
| Model | Safrane | M3 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 3999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 414 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 8300 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.7 mm | 75.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93 mm | 92 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 1885 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4615 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1803 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1392 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2761 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 63 L |
