1985 Mercury Lynx vs. 1996 Renault Spider
To start off, 1996 Renault Spider is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Mercury Lynx. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Mercury Lynx would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Renault Spider is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Renault Spider (141 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 1985 Mercury Lynx. (89 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Renault Spider should accelerate faster than 1985 Mercury Lynx. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Mercury Lynx weights approximately 35 kg more than 1996 Renault Spider.
Because 1996 Renault Spider 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 1996 Renault Spider. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 Mercury Lynx, 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, 1996 Renault Spider (185 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Mercury Lynx. (144 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1996 Renault Spider will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Mercury Lynx.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Mercury Lynx | 1996 Renault Spider | |
| Make | Mercury | Renault |
| Model | Lynx | Spider |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1859 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 185 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1025 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 3800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2350 mm |
