1998 Renault Clio vs. 2003 Renault Clio
To start off, 2003 Renault Clio is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Renault Clio. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Renault Clio would be higher. At 2,946 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Renault Clio is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Renault Clio (251 HP @ 7150 RPM) has 163 more horse power than 1998 Renault Clio. (88 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Renault Clio should accelerate faster than 1998 Renault Clio. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Renault Clio weights approximately 550 kg more than 1998 Renault Clio. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Renault Clio 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 2003 Renault Clio. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Renault Clio, 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, 2003 Renault Clio (300 Nm @ 4650 RPM) has 169 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Renault Clio. (131 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2003 Renault Clio will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Renault Clio.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Renault Clio | 2003 Renault Clio | |
| Make | Renault | Renault |
| Model | Clio | Clio |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 2946 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 88 HP | 251 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7150 RPM |
| Torque | 131 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4650 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79.5 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80.5 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Top Speed | 181 km/hour | 232 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 1530 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3780 mm | 3850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2850 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 5.8 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 9.6 L/100km | 15.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.2 L/100km | 11.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 60 L |
