1997 Renault Spider vs. 2008 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Passat 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 2,496 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Passat (161 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1997 Renault Spider. (140 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1997 Renault Spider. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 593 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 Volkswagen Passat, 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 Volkswagen Passat (350 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 165 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 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 1997 Renault Spider. 2008 Volkswagen Passat 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 Volkswagen Passat will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Renault Spider | 2008 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Renault | Volkswagen |
| Model | Spider | Passat |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 2496 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 185 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.7 mm | 78.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| 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 | 1583 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2710 mm |
