2003 Renault Megane vs. 2008 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Renault Megane. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Renault Megane would be higher. At 1,967 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Passat (168 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 2003 Renault Megane. (118 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 2003 Renault Megane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 212 kg more than 2003 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, 2008 Volkswagen Passat (350 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 203 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Renault Megane. (147 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Renault Megane.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Renault Megane | 2008 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Renault | Volkswagen |
| Model | Megane | Passat |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1967 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 147 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79.5 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80.5 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1320 kg | 1532 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2720 mm |
