2006 BMW M3 vs. 1996 Renault Megane
To start off, 2006 BMW M3 is newer by 10 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 3,246 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW M3 (338 HP @ 4900 RPM) has 232 more horse power than 1996 Renault Megane. (106 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1996 Renault Megane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW M3 weights approximately 379 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 2006 BMW M3 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 2006 BMW M3. 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, 2006 BMW M3 (365 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 217 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Renault Megane. (148 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2006 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Renault Megane. 1996 Renault Megane has automatic transmission and 2006 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 2006 BMW M3 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:
| 2006 BMW M3 | 1996 Renault Megane | |
| Make | BMW | Renault |
| Model | M3 | Megane |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 338 HP | 106 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 148 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.1 mm | 79.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 80.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.2 seconds | 11.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1549 kg | 1170 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 3970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.8 L/100km | 5.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 14.7 L/100km | 10.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.9 L/100km | 7.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 60 L |
