2005 Lexus IS vs. 1996 Renault Safrane
To start off, 2005 Lexus IS is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Renault Safrane. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Renault Safrane would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Renault Safrane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Lexus IS (153 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1996 Renault Safrane. (141 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 1996 Renault Safrane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Renault Safrane weights approximately 19 kg more than 2005 Lexus IS.
Because 2005 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 2005 Lexus IS. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 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, 1996 Renault Safrane (200 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Lexus IS. (195 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 1996 Renault Safrane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Lexus IS.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Lexus IS | 1996 Renault Safrane | |
| Make | Lexus | Renault |
| Model | IS | Safrane |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | 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 | 141 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 - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1506 kg | 1525 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 38 L |
