2005 BMW 318 vs. 2001 Renault Vel Satis
To start off, 2005 BMW 318 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Renault Vel Satis. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Renault Vel Satis would be higher. At 2,958 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 Renault Vel Satis is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Renault Vel Satis (179 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 2005 BMW 318. (113 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Renault Vel Satis should accelerate faster than 2005 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Renault Vel Satis weights approximately 435 kg more than 2005 BMW 318. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 BMW 318 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 2005 BMW 318. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 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, 2001 Renault Vel Satis (350 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 183 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 BMW 318. (167 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2001 Renault Vel Satis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 BMW 318. 2001 Renault Vel Satis has automatic transmission and 2005 BMW 318 has manual transmission. 2005 BMW 318 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Renault Vel Satis will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 BMW 318 | 2001 Renault Vel Satis | |
| Make | BMW | Renault |
| Model | 318 | Vel Satis |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2958 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 179 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 18.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 1735 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1580 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2740 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 80 L |
