1996 Honda Civic vs. 1998 Renault Safrane
To start off, 1998 Renault Safrane is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Honda Civic would be higher. At 2,188 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Renault Safrane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Renault Safrane (113 HP @ 4250 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1996 Honda Civic. (112 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Renault Safrane should accelerate faster than 1996 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Renault Safrane weights approximately 698 kg more than 1996 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1998 Renault Safrane (250 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 112 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda Civic. (138 Nm @ 5200 RPM). This means 1998 Renault Safrane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Honda Civic. 1998 Renault Safrane has automatic transmission and 1996 Honda Civic has manual transmission. 1996 Honda Civic will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Renault Safrane will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda Civic | 1998 Renault Safrane | |
| Make | Honda | Renault |
| Model | Civic | Safrane |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1493 cc | 2188 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 112 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Torque | 138 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5200 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.5 mm | 92 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1002 kg | 1700 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 80 L |
