2008 BMW 523 vs. 2004 Renault Megane
To start off, 2008 BMW 523 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Renault Megane. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Renault Megane would be higher. At 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW 523 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 523 (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 2004 Renault Megane. (118 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 523 should accelerate faster than 2004 Renault Megane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Renault Megane weights approximately 160 kg more than 2008 BMW 523.
Because 2008 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 2008 BMW 523. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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, 2004 Renault Megane (300 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 523. (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2004 Renault Megane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 523.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 523 | 2004 Renault Megane | |
| Make | BMW | Renault |
| Model | 523 | Megane |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 1870 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78.8 mm | 80.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 18.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1650 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2690 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.1 L/100km | 5.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 60 L |
