1998 Renault Spider vs. 1970 Saab Sonett III
To start off, 1998 Renault Spider is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Saab Sonett III. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Saab Sonett III would be higher. At 1,996 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Renault Spider is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Renault Spider (141 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 1970 Saab Sonett III. (64 HP @ 4700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Renault Spider should accelerate faster than 1970 Saab Sonett III. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Renault Spider weights approximately 190 kg more than 1970 Saab Sonett III. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 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 1998 Renault Spider. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1970 Saab Sonett III, 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 Renault Spider (185 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Saab Sonett III. (115 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1998 Renault Spider will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Saab Sonett III.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Renault Spider | 1970 Saab Sonett III | |
| Make | Renault | Saab |
| Model | Spider | Sonett III |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1970 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1996 cc | 1498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 64 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Torque | 185 Nm | 115 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.7 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93 mm | 58.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 3910 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1510 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2160 mm |
