Renault R8

vs

Renault Vel Satis

France vs France — 1965 vs 2002

Renault R8 (1965)
Renault Vel Satis (2002)
Specifications
R8 Gordini 1300Vel Satis 3.5 V6
Horsepower103 hp245 hp
Torque86 lb-ft243 lb-ft
Engine Size1,255 cc3,498 cc
0-60 mph10.5 sec7.0 sec
Top Speed112 mph149 mph
¼ Mile17.5 sec15.5 sec
Weight1,819 lbs3,792 lbs
Wheelbase2,270 mm2,770 mm
Length3,990 mm4,860 mm
Units Produced11,60762,295
Value (Excellent)$70,000$8,000
Collectibility8/103/10
Rarity7/106/10
The Verdict

It's a closely fought contest. The 1965 Renault R8 Gordini 1300 brings lighter weight, greater rarity, stronger collectibility to the table, and the 2002 Renault Vel Satis 3.5 V6 answers with more power, quicker acceleration, higher top speed. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.

Overview

Renault has long offered a diverse lineup, and comparing the 1965 Renault R8 Gordini 1300 with the 2002 Renault Vel Satis 3.5 V6 highlights the breadth of the marque's engineering philosophy. The 2002 Renault Vel Satis 3.5 V6 holds a clear advantage in raw power with 245 hp compared to 103 hp, a 142-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Renault R8 uses a Inline-4 OHV displacing 1,255 cc, while the Renault Vel Satis relies on a V6 DOHC 24V with 3,498 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 2002 Renault Vel Satis 3.5 V6 edges ahead at 7.0 seconds versus 10.5 seconds. The Renault R8 carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 1973 lbs lighter. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 11,607 units built, the 1965 Renault R8 Gordini 1300 is considerably scarcer than the Renault Vel Satis's 62,295 examples. On the collector market, the 1965 Renault R8 Gordini 1300 commands a significant premium over the 2002 Renault Vel Satis 3.5 V6, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity. From a collectibility standpoint, the 1965 Renault R8 Gordini 1300 rates higher among enthusiasts and auction houses.