1996 Renault Safrane vs. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 16 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 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Renault Safrane (141 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. (140 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Renault Safrane should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Renault Safrane weights approximately 125 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. 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, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 120 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Renault Safrane. (200 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Renault Safrane.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Renault Safrane | 2012 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Renault | Volkswagen |
| Model | Safrane | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4557 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1781 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1504 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 55 L |
