1997 Ford Ka vs. 1996 Renault Spider
To start off, 1997 Ford Ka is newer by 1 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 82 more horse power than 1997 Ford Ka. (59 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Renault Spider should accelerate faster than 1997 Ford Ka. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Renault Spider weights approximately 110 kg more than 1997 Ford Ka. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 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 1996 Renault Spider. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Ford Ka, 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, 1996 Renault Spider (185 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Ka. (105 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1996 Renault Spider will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Ka.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Ka | 1996 Renault Spider | |
| Make | Ford | Renault |
| Model | Ka | Spider |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1299 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 105 Nm | 185 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 880 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3630 mm | 3800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2350 mm |
