1996 Renault Megane vs. 2012 Alfa Romeo 159
To start off, 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Renault Megane. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Renault Megane would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Renault Megane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1996 Renault Megane. (136 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 should accelerate faster than 1996 Renault Megane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 weights approximately 429 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.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 (191 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Alfa Romeo 159. (190 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1996 Renault Megane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Alfa Romeo 159.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Renault Megane | 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 | |
| Make | Renault | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | Megane | 159 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1859 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 136 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 191 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.7 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 11.3:1 |
| Top Speed | 213 km/hour | 210 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9 seconds | 10.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1176 kg | 1605 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3940 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.5 L/100km | 8.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 70 L |
