1997 Renault Spider vs. 2000 Saturn LW
To start off, 2000 Saturn LW is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Renault Spider. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Renault Spider would be higher. At 2,198 cc (4 cylinders), 2000 Saturn LW is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Renault Spider (140 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 2000 Saturn LW. (136 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Renault Spider should accelerate faster than 2000 Saturn LW. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Saturn LW weights approximately 408 kg more than 1997 Renault Spider.
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, 2000 Saturn LW, 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, 2000 Saturn LW (193 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Renault Spider. (185 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2000 Saturn LW will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Renault Spider. 2000 Saturn LW has automatic transmission and 1997 Renault Spider has manual transmission. 1997 Renault Spider will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2000 Saturn LW will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Renault Spider | 2000 Saturn LW | |
| Make | Renault | Saturn |
| Model | Spider | LW |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2000 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 2198 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 136 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 185 Nm | 193 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.7 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93 mm | 94.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 1398 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 4840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2710 mm |
