1996 Renault Megane vs. 2012 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Golf 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 2,500 cc (5 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Golf (170 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 1996 Renault Megane. (106 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1996 Renault Megane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 176 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 Golf (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 92 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Renault Megane. (148 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Renault Megane. 1996 Renault Megane has automatic transmission and 2012 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 2012 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Renault Megane will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Renault Megane | 2012 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Renault | Volkswagen |
| Model | Megane | Golf |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 106 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 1346 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3970 mm | 4199 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 5.4 L/100km | 7.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 10.6 L/100km | 10.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 55 L |
