1997 Renault Spider vs. 2008 Seat Leon
To start off, 2008 Seat Leon is newer by 11 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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Renault Spider is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Seat Leon (197 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 1997 Renault Spider. (140 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Seat Leon should accelerate faster than 1997 Renault Spider. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Seat Leon weights approximately 348 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, 2008 Seat Leon, 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, 2008 Seat Leon (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 95 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Renault Spider. (185 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2008 Seat Leon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Renault Spider. 2008 Seat Leon 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. 2008 Seat Leon will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Renault Spider | 2008 Seat Leon | |
| Make | Renault | Seat |
| Model | Spider | Leon |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 185 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.7 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| 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 | 1338 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 4330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2580 mm |
