1996 BMW 523 vs. 1998 Renault Spider
To start off, 1998 Renault Spider is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 523. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 523 would be higher. At 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW 523 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 523 (170 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1998 Renault Spider. (141 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 523 should accelerate faster than 1998 Renault Spider. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 523 weights approximately 555 kg more than 1998 Renault Spider. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1996 BMW 523 (245 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Renault Spider. (185 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 523 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Renault Spider.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 523 | 1998 Renault Spider | |
| Make | BMW | Renault |
| Model | 523 | Spider |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 185 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 93 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1545 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 3800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2350 mm |
