2008 Renault Megane vs. 2003 Toyota Highlander
To start off, 2008 Renault Megane is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Toyota Highlander. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Toyota Highlander would be higher. At 2,360 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Toyota Highlander is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Renault Megane (162 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 2003 Toyota Highlander. (148 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Renault Megane should accelerate faster than 2003 Toyota Highlander. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Toyota Highlander weights approximately 720 kg more than 2008 Renault Megane.
Because 2003 Toyota Highlander is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2008 Renault Megane. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Toyota Highlander will offer significantly more control. 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 Renault Megane (270 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Toyota Highlander. (221 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Renault Megane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Toyota Highlander. 2003 Toyota Highlander has automatic transmission and 2008 Renault Megane has manual transmission. 2008 Renault Megane will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Toyota Highlander will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Renault Megane | 2003 Toyota Highlander | |
| Make | Renault | Toyota |
| Model | Megane | Highlander |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 2360 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 162 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 270 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.7 mm | 88.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 965 kg | 1685 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 73 L |
