1997 Renault Safrane vs. 2011 Chevrolet Express
To start off, 2011 Chevrolet Express is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Renault Safrane. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Renault Safrane would be higher. At 6,600 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 Chevrolet Express is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Chevrolet Express (260 HP @ 3100 RPM) has 118 more horse power than 1997 Renault Safrane. (142 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Chevrolet Express should accelerate faster than 1997 Renault Safrane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Chevrolet Express weights approximately 907 kg more than 1997 Renault Safrane. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2011 Chevrolet Express 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 Chevrolet Express. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 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 Chevrolet Express (711 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 511 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Renault Safrane. (200 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2011 Chevrolet Express will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Renault Safrane. 2011 Chevrolet Express has automatic transmission and 1997 Renault Safrane has manual transmission. 1997 Renault Safrane will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Chevrolet Express will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Renault Safrane | 2011 Chevrolet Express | |
| Make | Renault | Chevrolet |
| Model | Safrane | Express |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Van |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 6600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 142 HP | 260 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 3100 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 711 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 2432 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 5692 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 2012 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 2070 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 3429 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 117 L |
