1996 Renault Megane vs. 2013 BMW 3 Series
To start off, 2013 BMW 3 Series is newer by 17 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 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2013 BMW 3 Series is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 BMW 3 Series (296 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 199 more horse power than 1996 Renault Megane. (97 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 BMW 3 Series should accelerate faster than 1996 Renault Megane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 BMW 3 Series weights approximately 390 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 2013 BMW 3 Series 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 2013 BMW 3 Series. 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, 2013 BMW 3 Series (407 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 206 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Renault Megane. (201 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2013 BMW 3 Series will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Renault Megane.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Renault Megane | 2013 BMW 3 Series | |
| Make | Renault | BMW |
| Model | Megane | 3 Series |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1870 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 97 HP | 296 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 201 Nm | 407 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93 mm | 89 mm |
| Top Speed | 183 km/hour | 240 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 12.3 seconds | 5.6 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1615 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1961 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1395 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 61 L |
