2008 Volkswagen Phaeton vs. 1997 Renault Safrane
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton is newer by 11 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 4,172 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton (330 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 188 more horse power than 1997 Renault Safrane. (142 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton should accelerate faster than 1997 Renault Safrane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Renault Safrane weights approximately 294 kg more than 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton.
Because 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1997 Renault Safrane. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton will offer significantly more control. 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 Volkswagen Phaeton (430 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 230 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Renault Safrane. (200 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Renault Safrane. 1997 Renault Safrane has automatic transmission and 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton has manual transmission. 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Renault Safrane will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton | 1997 Renault Safrane | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Renault |
| Model | Phaeton | Safrane |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4172 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 5 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 330 HP | 142 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 430 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1231 kg | 1525 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5180 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3010 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 38 L |
