2004 Renault Vel Satis vs. 1997 Volkswagen Fusca
To start off, 2004 Renault Vel Satis is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Volkswagen Fusca. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Volkswagen Fusca would be higher. At 2,188 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Renault Vel Satis is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Renault Vel Satis (148 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 96 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Fusca. (52 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Renault Vel Satis should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Fusca. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Renault Vel Satis weights approximately 915 kg more than 1997 Volkswagen Fusca. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1997 Volkswagen Fusca 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 1997 Volkswagen Fusca. 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 215 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volkswagen Fusca. (105 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2004 Renault Vel Satis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volkswagen Fusca. 2004 Renault Vel Satis has automatic transmission and 1997 Volkswagen Fusca has manual transmission. 1997 Volkswagen Fusca 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 | 1997 Volkswagen Fusca | |
| Make | Renault | Volkswagen |
| Model | Vel Satis | Fusca |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2188 cc | 1583 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 52 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 105 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1735 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1550 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1580 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2410 mm |
