1996 Renault Safrane vs. 2011 Lexus IS
To start off, 2011 Lexus IS 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 2,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Lexus IS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Lexus IS (204 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 1996 Renault Safrane. (141 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 1996 Renault Safrane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Lexus IS weights approximately 42 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 Lexus IS 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 Lexus IS. 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 Lexus IS (251 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 51 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Renault Safrane. (200 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2011 Lexus IS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Renault Safrane.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Renault Safrane | 2011 Lexus IS | |
| Make | Renault | Lexus |
| Model | Safrane | IS |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 204 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 1567 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1801 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1425 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2728 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 65 L |
