1996 Renault Safrane vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz S 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 5,500 cc (12 cylinders), 2011 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz S (510 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 396 more horse power than 1996 Renault Safrane. (114 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1996 Renault Safrane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 595 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 Mercedes-Benz S 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 Mercedes-Benz S. 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 Mercedes-Benz S (829 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 595 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Renault Safrane. (234 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Renault Safrane. 2011 Mercedes-Benz S 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. 2011 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Renault Safrane | 2011 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Renault | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Safrane | S |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2187 cc | 5500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 510 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 234 Nm | 829 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1650 kg | 2245 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 5245 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1473 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 3165 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 90 L |
