2009 BMW M3 vs. 2008 Renault Vel Satis
To start off, 2009 BMW M3 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Renault Vel Satis. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Renault Vel Satis would be higher. At 3,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 266 more horse power than 2008 Renault Vel Satis. (148 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2008 Renault Vel Satis. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Renault Vel Satis weights approximately 210 kg more than 2009 BMW M3.
Because 2009 BMW M3 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 M3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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 M3 (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 79 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Renault Vel Satis. (321 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 2009 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Renault Vel Satis. 2008 Renault Vel Satis has automatic transmission and 2009 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 2009 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Renault Vel Satis will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW M3 | 2008 Renault Vel Satis | |
| Make | BMW | Renault |
| Model | M3 | Vel Satis |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3999 cc | 2188 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 414 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 321 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 245 km/hour | 193 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 4.6 seconds | 12.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 1735 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1420 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1580 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2850 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.9 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 80 L |
