1998 Renault Spider vs. 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 10 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, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle (148 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1998 Renault Spider. (141 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle should accelerate faster than 1998 Renault Spider. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 276 kg more than 1998 Renault Spider. 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, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle, 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, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle (220 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Renault Spider. (185 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Renault Spider.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Renault Spider | 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Renault | Volkswagen |
| Model | Spider | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1996 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 185 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.7 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 1266 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2510 mm |
