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 3,245 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW M3 (333 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 259 more horse power than 1996 Renault Megane. (74 HP @ 6000 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 274 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 (355 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 248 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Renault Megane. (107 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Renault Megane.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW M3 | 1996 Renault Megane | |
| Make | BMW | Renault |
| Model | M3 | Megane |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3245 cc | 1390 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 333 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 355 Nm | 107 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 249 km/hour | 183 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1296 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4140 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1970 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1610 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.5 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 60 L |
