1962 Honda S500 vs. 2003 Renault Megane
To start off, 2003 Renault Megane is newer by 41 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Honda S500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Honda S500 would be higher. At 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Renault Megane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Renault Megane (111 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 73 more horse power than 1962 Honda S500. (38 HP @ 8000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Renault Megane should accelerate faster than 1962 Honda S500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Renault Megane weights approximately 625 kg more than 1962 Honda S500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1962 Honda S500 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 1962 Honda S500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Renault Megane, 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, 2003 Renault Megane (153 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 114 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Honda S500. (39 Nm @ 6000 RPM). This means 2003 Renault Megane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Honda S500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 Honda S500 | 2003 Renault Megane | |
| Make | Honda | Renault |
| Model | S500 | Megane |
| Year Released | 1962 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 492 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 111 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 39 Nm | 153 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 680 kg | 1305 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3310 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1440 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2740 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 60 L |
