2004 Renault Vel Satis vs. 1996 Toyota Hi-Ace
To start off, 2004 Renault Vel Satis is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Toyota Hi-Ace. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Toyota Hi-Ace would be higher. At 2,446 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Toyota Hi-Ace is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Renault Vel Satis (148 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 1996 Toyota Hi-Ace. (90 HP @ 3500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Renault Vel Satis should accelerate faster than 1996 Toyota Hi-Ace. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Renault Vel Satis weights approximately 20 kg more than 1996 Toyota Hi-Ace. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 Toyota Hi-Ace 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 1996 Toyota Hi-Ace. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Renault Vel Satis, 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, 2004 Renault Vel Satis (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 94 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Toyota Hi-Ace. (226 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2004 Renault Vel Satis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Toyota Hi-Ace. 2004 Renault Vel Satis has automatic transmission and 1996 Toyota Hi-Ace has manual transmission. 1996 Toyota Hi-Ace will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Renault Vel Satis will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Renault Vel Satis | 1996 Toyota Hi-Ace | |
| Make | Renault | Toyota |
| Model | Vel Satis | Hi-Ace |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2188 cc | 2446 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 226 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 92 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1735 kg | 1715 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1580 mm | 1960 mm |
