2006 BMW 320 vs. 1997 Renault Safrane
To start off, 2006 BMW 320 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Renault Safrane. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Renault Safrane would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Renault Safrane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW 320 (148 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1997 Renault Safrane. (142 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW 320 should accelerate faster than 1997 Renault Safrane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW 320 weights approximately 155 kg more than 1997 Renault Safrane. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 BMW 320 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 2006 BMW 320. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 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, 2006 BMW 320 (330 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 130 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Renault Safrane. (200 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2006 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Renault Safrane.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW 320 | 1997 Renault Safrane | |
| Make | BMW | Renault |
| Model | 320 | Safrane |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 142 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1680 kg | 1525 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 38 L |
