1997 Renault Spider vs. 2013 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 16 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 2,500 cc (5 cylinders), 2013 Volkswagen Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle (168 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1997 Renault Spider. (140 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1997 Renault Spider. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Volkswagen Beetle weights approximately 343 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, 2013 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, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Renault Spider. (185 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2013 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Renault Spider.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Renault Spider | 2013 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Renault | Volkswagen |
| Model | Spider | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 185 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.7 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 1333 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 4278 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1808 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1486 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2537 mm |
