Renault 5 Turbo

vs

Renault Safrane

France vs France — 1980 vs 1993

Renault 5 Turbo (1980)
Renault Safrane (1993)
Specifications
5 Turbo Turbo 2Safrane Biturbo
Horsepower160 hp268 hp
Torque155 lb-ft273 lb-ft
Engine Size1,397 cc2,963 cc
0-60 mph6.4 sec6.6 sec
Top Speed124 mph154 mph
¼ Mile14.6 sec14.9 sec
Weight2,139 lbs3,527 lbs
Wheelbase2,430 mm2,720 mm
Length3,665 mm4,690 mm
Units Produced4,987806
Value (Excellent)$250,000$30,000
Collectibility9/107/10
Rarity8/109/10
The Verdict

It's a closely fought contest. The 1980 Renault 5 Turbo Turbo 2 brings quicker acceleration, lighter weight, stronger collectibility to the table, and the 1993 Renault Safrane Biturbo answers with more power, higher top speed, greater rarity. 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 1980 Renault 5 Turbo Turbo 2 with the 1993 Renault Safrane Biturbo highlights the breadth of the marque's engineering philosophy. The 1993 Renault Safrane Biturbo holds a clear advantage in raw power with 268 hp compared to 160 hp, a 108-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 Safrane relies on a V6 DOHC 24V Biturbo with 2,963 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1980 Renault 5 Turbo Turbo 2 edges ahead at 6.4 seconds versus 6.6 seconds. The Renault 5 Turbo carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 1388 lbs lighter. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 806 units built, the 1993 Renault Safrane Biturbo is considerably scarcer than the Renault 5 Turbo's 4,987 examples. On the collector market, the 1980 Renault 5 Turbo Turbo 2 commands a significant premium over the 1993 Renault Safrane Biturbo, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity. From a collectibility standpoint, the 1980 Renault 5 Turbo Turbo 2 rates higher among enthusiasts and auction houses.