1997 Renault Spider vs. 2010 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2010 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 13 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, 1997 Renault Spider (140 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 2010 Volkswagen Beetle. (114 HP @ 2400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Renault Spider should accelerate faster than 2010 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Volkswagen Beetle weights approximately 240 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, 2010 Volkswagen Beetle, 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, 1997 Renault Spider (185 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 Volkswagen Beetle. (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1997 Renault Spider will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 Volkswagen Beetle. 2010 Volkswagen Beetle 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. 2010 Volkswagen Beetle will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Renault Spider | 2010 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Renault | Volkswagen |
| Model | Spider | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| 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 | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Torque | 185 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.7 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 1230 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2510 mm |
