1996 Renault Megane vs. 1981 Vauxhall Chevette
To start off, 1996 Renault Megane is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Vauxhall Chevette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Vauxhall Chevette would be higher. At 1,596 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Renault Megane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Renault Megane (89 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 1981 Vauxhall Chevette. (56 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Renault Megane should accelerate faster than 1981 Vauxhall Chevette. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Renault Megane weights approximately 470 kg more than 1981 Vauxhall Chevette. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 Vauxhall Chevette 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 1981 Vauxhall Chevette. 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, 1996 Renault Megane (137 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 48 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Vauxhall Chevette. (89 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1996 Renault Megane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Vauxhall Chevette.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Renault Megane | 1981 Vauxhall Chevette | |
| Make | Renault | Vauxhall |
| Model | Megane | Chevette |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 1256 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 56 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 137 Nm | 89 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1325 kg | 855 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4140 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1610 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2400 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 45 L |
