2007 BMW 523 vs. 1996 Renault Megane
To start off, 2007 BMW 523 is newer by 11 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 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2007 BMW 523 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 BMW 523 (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1996 Renault Megane. (148 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 BMW 523 should accelerate faster than 1996 Renault Megane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 BMW 523 weights approximately 345 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 2007 BMW 523 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 2007 BMW 523. 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, 2007 BMW 523 (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Renault Megane. (185 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2007 BMW 523 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Renault Megane.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 BMW 523 | 1996 Renault Megane | |
| Make | BMW | Renault |
| Model | 523 | Megane |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 185 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78.8 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 235 km/hour | 211 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1565 kg | 1220 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 60 L |
