1962 Honda S500 vs. 2008 Renault Megane
To start off, 2008 Renault Megane is newer by 46 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 1,461 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Renault Megane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Renault Megane (81 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 1962 Honda S500. (38 HP @ 8000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Renault Megane should accelerate faster than 1962 Honda S500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Renault Megane weights approximately 570 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, 2008 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, 2008 Renault Megane (185 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 146 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Honda S500. (39 Nm @ 6000 RPM). This means 2008 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 | 2008 Renault Megane | |
| Make | Honda | Renault |
| Model | S500 | Megane |
| Year Released | 1962 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 492 cc | 1461 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 39 Nm | 185 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 680 kg | 1250 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3310 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1440 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 60 L |
