1999 Lexus IS vs. 1997 Renault Safrane
To start off, 1999 Lexus IS is newer by 2 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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Renault Safrane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Lexus IS (153 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1997 Renault Safrane. (142 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 1997 Renault Safrane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Renault Safrane weights approximately 125 kg more than 1999 Lexus IS.
Because 1999 Lexus IS 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 1999 Lexus IS. 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, 1997 Renault Safrane (200 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Lexus IS. (195 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 1997 Renault Safrane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Lexus IS. 1997 Renault Safrane has automatic transmission and 1999 Lexus IS has manual transmission. 1999 Lexus IS will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Renault Safrane will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Lexus IS | 1997 Renault Safrane | |
| Make | Lexus | Renault |
| Model | IS | Safrane |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1988 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 142 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 195 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1400 kg | 1525 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 38 L |
