1998 Renault Safrane vs. 2012 Alpina B7
To start off, 2012 Alpina B7 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Renault Safrane. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Renault Safrane would be higher. At 4,400 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Alpina B7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Alpina B7 (500 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 387 more horse power than 1998 Renault Safrane. (113 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Alpina B7 should accelerate faster than 1998 Renault Safrane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Alpina B7 weights approximately 370 kg more than 1998 Renault Safrane. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Alpina B7 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 2012 Alpina B7. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 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, 2012 Alpina B7 (699 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 449 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Renault Safrane. (250 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2012 Alpina B7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Renault Safrane.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Renault Safrane | 2012 Alpina B7 | |
| Make | Renault | Alpina |
| Model | Safrane | B7 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2188 cc | 4400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 500 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 699 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 2070 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 5085 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1902 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1483 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 3071 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 5.7 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 9.9 L/100km | 16.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 82 L |
