France vs France — 1980 vs 2002
| 5 Turbo Turbo 2 | Vel Satis 3.5 V6 | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 160 hp | 245 hp |
| Torque | 155 lb-ft | 243 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 1,397 cc | 3,498 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 6.4 sec | 7.0 sec |
| Top Speed | 124 mph | 149 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 14.6 sec | 15.5 sec |
| Weight | 2,139 lbs | 3,792 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,430 mm | 2,770 mm |
| Length | 3,665 mm | 4,860 mm |
| Units Produced | 4,987 | 62,295 |
| Value (Excellent) | $250,000 | $8,000 |
| Collectibility | 9/10 | 3/10 |
| Rarity | 8/10 | 6/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1980 Renault 5 Turbo Turbo 2 brings quicker acceleration, lighter weight, greater rarity to the table, and the 2002 Renault Vel Satis 3.5 V6 answers with more power, higher top speed, better value. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.
Renault has long offered a diverse lineup, and comparing the 1980 Renault 5 Turbo Turbo 2 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 160 hp, a 85-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Renault 5 Turbo uses a Inline-4 Turbo Cléon-Fonte displacing 1,397 cc, while the Renault Vel Satis relies on a V6 DOHC 24V with 3,498 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1980 Renault 5 Turbo Turbo 2 edges ahead at 6.4 seconds versus 7.0 seconds. The Renault 5 Turbo carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 1653 lbs lighter. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 4,987 units built, the 1980 Renault 5 Turbo Turbo 2 is considerably scarcer than the Renault Vel Satis's 62,295 examples. On the collector market, the 1980 Renault 5 Turbo Turbo 2 commands a significant premium over the 2002 Renault Vel Satis 3.5 V6, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity. From a collectibility standpoint, the 1980 Renault 5 Turbo Turbo 2 rates higher among enthusiasts and auction houses.