1997 Renault Spider vs. 2009 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 12 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, 2009 Volkswagen Passat (158 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1997 Renault Spider. (140 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1997 Renault Spider. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 1317 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, 2009 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, 2009 Volkswagen Passat (250 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Renault Spider. (185 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2009 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Renault Spider.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Renault Spider | 2009 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Renault | Volkswagen |
| Model | Spider | Passat |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 185 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.7 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93 mm | 84.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 9.8:1 |
| 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 | 2307 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1480 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1830 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2720 mm |
