1996 Renault Megane vs. 1971 Rover 3.5 Litre
To start off, 1996 Renault Megane is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Rover 3.5 Litre. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Rover 3.5 Litre would be higher. At 3,532 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Rover 3.5 Litre is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Rover 3.5 Litre (148 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1996 Renault Megane. (101 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Rover 3.5 Litre should accelerate faster than 1996 Renault Megane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Rover 3.5 Litre weights approximately 423 kg more than 1996 Renault Megane. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1971 Rover 3.5 Litre 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 1971 Rover 3.5 Litre. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 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, 1971 Rover 3.5 Litre (276 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 75 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Renault Megane. (201 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 1971 Rover 3.5 Litre will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Renault Megane. 1971 Rover 3.5 Litre has automatic transmission and 1996 Renault Megane has manual transmission. 1996 Renault Megane will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1971 Rover 3.5 Litre will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Renault Megane | 1971 Rover 3.5 Litre | |
| Make | Renault | Rover |
| Model | Megane | 3.5 Litre |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1870 cc | 3532 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 101 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 201 Nm | 276 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1500 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93 mm | 71.1 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1215 kg | 1638 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4170 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1550 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2820 mm |
