1996 Renault Megane vs. 2012 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle 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 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Renault Megane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle (158 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 85 more horse power than 1996 Renault Megane. (73 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1996 Renault Megane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Beetle weights approximately 64 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, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Renault Megane. (130 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Renault Megane. 2012 Volkswagen Beetle 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. 2012 Volkswagen Beetle will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Renault Megane | 2012 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Renault | Volkswagen |
| Model | Megane | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 73 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 130 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Top Speed | 162 km/hour | 208 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 14.7 seconds | 8.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1295 kg | 1359 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4140 mm | 4278 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1808 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1610 mm | 1486 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2537 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 6.8 L/100km | 6.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.1 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.4 L/100km | 5.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 55 L |
