1998 Renault Spider vs. 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 11 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 27 more horse power than 2009 Volkswagen Jetta. (114 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Renault Spider should accelerate faster than 2009 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 1320 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, 2009 Volkswagen Jetta, 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 15 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Volkswagen Jetta. (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1998 Renault Spider will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Volkswagen Jetta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Renault Spider | 2009 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Renault | Volkswagen |
| Model | Spider | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1996 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 185 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 2310 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2580 mm |
