1998 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1997 Renault Spider
To start off, 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 1 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 2,386 cc (5 cylinders), 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Renault Spider (140 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1998 Alfa Romeo 156. (136 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Renault Spider should accelerate faster than 1998 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 360 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, 1998 Alfa Romeo 156, 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, 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 (304 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 119 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Renault Spider. (185 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Renault Spider.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1997 Renault Spider | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Renault |
| Model | 156 | Spider |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2386 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 136 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 185 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.4 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.5:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1350 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 3800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2350 mm |
