1997 Renault Spider vs. 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
To start off, 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt is newer by 8 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 2,189 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt (143 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1997 Renault Spider. (140 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt should accelerate faster than 1997 Renault Spider. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt weights approximately 276 kg more than 1997 Renault Spider. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt, 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, 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt (210 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Renault Spider. (185 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Renault Spider.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Renault Spider | 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt | |
| Make | Renault | Chevrolet |
| Model | Spider | Cobalt |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 2189 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 143 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 185 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.7 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93 mm | 94.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 1266 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2630 mm |
