1980 BMW 316 vs. 1997 Renault Spider
To start off, 1997 Renault Spider is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 BMW 316. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 BMW 316 would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Renault Spider is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Renault Spider (140 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 1980 BMW 316. (89 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Renault Spider should accelerate faster than 1980 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 BMW 316 weights approximately 80 kg more than 1997 Renault Spider.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1997 Renault Spider (185 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 BMW 316. (124 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1997 Renault Spider will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 BMW 316 | 1997 Renault Spider | |
| Make | BMW | Renault |
| Model | 316 | Spider |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1573 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 185 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 93 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1070 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 3800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2350 mm |
