1998 Renault Spider vs. 2006 Toyota Prius
To start off, 2006 Toyota Prius 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 64 more horse power than 2006 Toyota Prius. (77 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Renault Spider should accelerate faster than 2006 Toyota Prius. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Toyota Prius weights approximately 312 kg more than 1998 Renault Spider.
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, 2006 Toyota Prius, 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 2006 Toyota Prius. (115 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1998 Renault Spider will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Toyota Prius. 2006 Toyota Prius 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 Toyota Prius will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Renault Spider | 2006 Toyota Prius | |
| Make | Renault | Toyota |
| Model | Spider | Prius |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1996 cc | 1497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 77 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 185 Nm | 115 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.7 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93 mm | 84.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 13.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 1302 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2710 mm |
