2005 BMW M3 vs. 1998 Renault Safrane
To start off, 2005 BMW M3 is newer by 7 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 3,244 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 BMW M3 (320 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 207 more horse power than 1998 Renault Safrane. (113 HP @ 4250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1998 Renault Safrane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Renault Safrane weights approximately 10 kg more than 2005 BMW M3.
Because 2005 BMW M3 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 M3. 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, 2005 BMW M3 (337 Nm) has 87 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Renault Safrane. (250 Nm). This means 2005 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Renault Safrane.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 BMW M3 | 1998 Renault Safrane | |
| Make | BMW | Renault |
| Model | M3 | Safrane |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3244 cc | 2188 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 320 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Torque | 337 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 22.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1700 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 10.2 L/100km | 5.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 14.7 L/100km | 9.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 13.1 L/100km | 7.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 80 L |
