1998 Renault Spider vs. 2006 Smart ForTwo
To start off, 2006 Smart ForTwo is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Renault Spider. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Renault Spider 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 81 more horse power than 2006 Smart ForTwo. (60 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Renault Spider should accelerate faster than 2006 Smart ForTwo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Renault Spider weights approximately 185 kg more than 2006 Smart ForTwo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 90 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Smart ForTwo. (95 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1998 Renault Spider will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Smart ForTwo. 2006 Smart ForTwo has automatic transmission and 1998 Renault Spider has manual transmission. 1998 Renault Spider will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Smart ForTwo will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Renault Spider | 2006 Smart ForTwo | |
| Make | Renault | Smart |
| Model | Spider | ForTwo |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1996 cc | 698 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 60 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 185 Nm | 95 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.7 mm | 66.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93 mm | 67 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 805 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 2510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1520 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 1820 mm |
