1998 Renault Safrane vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C 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 2,987 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C (263 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 150 more horse power than 1998 Renault Safrane. (113 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1998 Renault Safrane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 60 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 Mercedes-Benz C 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 Mercedes-Benz C. 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 Mercedes-Benz C (620 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 370 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Renault Safrane. (250 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Renault Safrane.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Renault Safrane | 2012 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Renault | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Safrane | C |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2188 cc | 2987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 263 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 620 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 22.0:1 | 16.2:1 |
| Top Speed | 192 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 13.5 seconds | 6.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1760 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4606 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1459 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 66 L |
