1988 Nissan Prairie vs. 1997 Renault Spider
To start off, 1997 Renault Spider is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Nissan Prairie. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Nissan Prairie 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 61 more horse power than 1988 Nissan Prairie. (79 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Renault Spider should accelerate faster than 1988 Nissan Prairie. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Renault Spider weights approximately 12 kg more than 1988 Nissan Prairie. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1997 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 1997 Renault Spider. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Nissan Prairie, 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, 1997 Renault Spider (185 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 64 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Nissan Prairie. (121 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1997 Renault Spider will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Nissan Prairie.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Nissan Prairie | 1997 Renault Spider | |
| Make | Nissan | Renault |
| Model | Prairie | Spider |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1997 |
| Engine Size | 1487 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 121 Nm | 185 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 978 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 3800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1610 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2350 mm |
