1997 Renault Spider vs. 2012 Proton Arena
To start off, 2012 Proton Arena is newer by 15 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 54 more horse power than 2012 Proton Arena. (86 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Renault Spider should accelerate faster than 2012 Proton Arena. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Proton Arena weights approximately 45 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, 2012 Proton Arena, 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 61 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Proton Arena. (124 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1997 Renault Spider will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Proton Arena.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Renault Spider | 2012 Proton Arena | |
| Make | Renault | Proton |
| Model | Spider | Arena |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1468 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 86 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 185 Nm | 124 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.7 mm | 75.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 1035 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1500 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1720 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2610 mm |
