1996 Renault Spider vs. 2008 Smart ForTwo
To start off, 2008 Smart ForTwo is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Renault Spider. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Renault Spider 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 43 more horse power than 2008 Smart ForTwo. (98 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Renault Spider should accelerate faster than 2008 Smart ForTwo.
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, 2008 Smart ForTwo (190 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Renault Spider. (185 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2008 Smart ForTwo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Renault Spider. 2008 Smart ForTwo has automatic transmission and 1996 Renault Spider has manual transmission. 1996 Renault Spider will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Smart ForTwo will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Renault Spider | 2008 Smart ForTwo | |
| Make | Renault | Smart |
| Model | Spider | ForTwo |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 98 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 185 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 2730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1540 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 1870 mm |
