1996 Renault Spider vs. 2008 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Passat 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 3,168 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Passat (247 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 106 more horse power than 1996 Renault Spider. (141 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1996 Renault Spider. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 725 kg more than 1996 Renault Spider. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Volkswagen Passat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Renault Spider. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Passat will offer significantly more control. 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 Volkswagen Passat (330 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 145 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Renault Spider. (185 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Renault Spider. 2008 Volkswagen Passat 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 Volkswagen Passat will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Renault Spider | 2008 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Renault | Volkswagen |
| Model | Spider | Passat |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 3168 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 247 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 185 Nm | 330 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 1715 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2720 mm |
