1998 Mazda 323 vs. 1996 Renault Spider
To start off, 1998 Mazda 323 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Renault Spider. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Renault Spider would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Renault Spider is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Renault Spider (141 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1998 Mazda 323. (88 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Renault Spider should accelerate faster than 1998 Mazda 323. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mazda 323 weights approximately 95 kg more than 1996 Renault Spider.
Because 1996 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 1996 Renault Spider. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Mazda 323, 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, 1996 Renault Spider (185 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 52 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mazda 323. (133 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 Renault Spider will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mazda 323.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mazda 323 | 1996 Renault Spider | |
| Make | Mazda | Renault |
| Model | 323 | Spider |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1496 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 88 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 133 Nm | 185 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1085 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 3800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2350 mm |
