2009 BMW 320 vs. 2004 Renault Vel Satis
To start off, 2009 BMW 320 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Renault Vel Satis. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Renault Vel Satis would be higher. At 3,498 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Renault Vel Satis is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Renault Vel Satis (238 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 90 more horse power than 2009 BMW 320. (148 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Renault Vel Satis should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Renault Vel Satis weights approximately 280 kg more than 2009 BMW 320. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 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 2009 BMW 320. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Renault Vel Satis, 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, 2009 BMW 320 (331 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Renault Vel Satis. (330 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Renault Vel Satis.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 320 | 2004 Renault Vel Satis | |
| Make | BMW | Renault |
| Model | 320 | Vel Satis |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 238 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 331 Nm | 330 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 216 km/hour | 230 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.2 seconds | 8.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1580 kg | 1860 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1580 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2880 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6 L/100km | 11.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 80 L |
