2003 Renault Megane vs. 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2003 Renault Megane is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle would be higher. At 1,786 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle (149 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 2003 Renault Megane. (108 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle should accelerate faster than 2003 Renault Megane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Renault Megane weights approximately 30 kg more than 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle.
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, 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle (240 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 88 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Renault Megane. (152 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Renault Megane.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Renault Megane | 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Renault | Volkswagen |
| Model | Megane | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1786 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 152 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79.6 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80.5 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 11.3 seconds | 9.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1215 kg | 1185 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 3010 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.9 L/100km | 8.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 55 L |
