1998 Renault Safrane vs. 2012 BMW 320
To start off, 2012 BMW 320 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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Renault Safrane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 320 (182 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 1998 Renault Safrane. (141 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 320 should accelerate faster than 1998 Renault Safrane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Renault Safrane weights approximately 35 kg more than 2012 BMW 320.
Because 2012 BMW 320 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 BMW 320. 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 BMW 320 (270 Nm @ 1250 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Renault Safrane. (200 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Renault Safrane.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Renault Safrane | 2012 BMW 320 | |
| Make | Renault | BMW |
| Model | Safrane | 320 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.8 mm | 90.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 1490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4624 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1811 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1429 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 57 L |
