2008 Opel Astra vs. 1996 Renault Safrane
To start off, 2008 Opel Astra is newer by 12 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, 2008 Opel Astra (148 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1996 Renault Safrane. (141 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Opel Astra should accelerate faster than 1996 Renault Safrane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Renault Safrane weights approximately 132 kg more than 2008 Opel Astra.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2008 Opel Astra (320 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 120 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Renault Safrane. (200 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2008 Opel Astra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Renault Safrane. 1996 Renault Safrane has automatic transmission and 2008 Opel Astra has manual transmission. 2008 Opel Astra will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Renault Safrane will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Opel Astra | 1996 Renault Safrane | |
| Make | Opel | Renault |
| Model | Astra | Safrane |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1910 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.4 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1393 kg | 1525 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4260 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 38 L |
