1986 Renault 4 vs. 1998 Renault Spider
To start off, 1998 Renault Spider is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Renault 4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Renault 4 would be higher. At 1,996 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Renault Spider is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Renault Spider (141 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 107 more horse power than 1986 Renault 4. (34 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Renault Spider should accelerate faster than 1986 Renault 4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Renault Spider weights approximately 295 kg more than 1986 Renault 4. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 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 1998 Renault Spider. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1986 Renault 4, 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, 1998 Renault Spider (185 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 122 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Renault 4. (63 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1998 Renault Spider will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Renault 4.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Renault 4 | 1998 Renault Spider | |
| Make | Renault | Renault |
| Model | 4 | Spider |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 956 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 34 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 63 Nm | 185 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 695 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 3800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1490 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1560 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2350 mm |
