1996 Aston Martin Virage vs. 2003 Renault Megane
To start off, 2003 Renault Megane is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Aston Martin Virage. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Aston Martin Virage would be higher. At 5,338 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Aston Martin Virage is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Aston Martin Virage (344 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 206 more horse power than 2003 Renault Megane. (138 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Aston Martin Virage should accelerate faster than 2003 Renault Megane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Aston Martin Virage weights approximately 610 kg more than 2003 Renault Megane. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 Aston Martin Virage 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 1996 Aston Martin Virage. 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, 1996 Aston Martin Virage (450 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 250 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Renault Megane. (200 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1996 Aston Martin Virage will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Renault Megane. 1996 Aston Martin Virage has automatic transmission and 2003 Renault Megane has manual transmission. 2003 Renault Megane will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Aston Martin Virage will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Aston Martin Virage | 2003 Renault Megane | |
| Make | Aston Martin | Renault |
| Model | Virage | Megane |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5338 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 344 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 450 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2000 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4750 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1410 mm |
