2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage vs. 1996 Renault Megane
To start off, 2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage is newer by 16 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 4,700 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage (430 HP @ 7300 RPM) has 341 more horse power than 1996 Renault Megane. (89 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage should accelerate faster than 1996 Renault Megane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage weights approximately 285 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 2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage 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 2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage. 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, 2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage (489 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 352 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Renault Megane. (137 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Renault Megane.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage | 1996 Renault Megane | |
| Make | Aston Martin | Renault |
| Model | V8 Vantage | Megane |
| Year Released | 2012 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4700 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 430 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 489 Nm | 137 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | 7-speed automated manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1610 kg | 1325 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4382 mm | 4140 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1867 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1610 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2601 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Consumption City | 16.8 L/100km | 11 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 60 L |
