2002 Citroen C3 vs. 1996 Renault Spider
To start off, 2002 Citroen C3 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Renault Spider. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Renault Spider would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Renault Spider is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Renault Spider (141 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 2002 Citroen C3. (89 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Renault Spider should accelerate faster than 2002 Citroen C3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Citroen C3 weights approximately 289 kg more than 1996 Renault Spider.
Because 1996 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 1996 Renault Spider. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Citroen C3, 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, 1996 Renault Spider (185 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Citroen C3. (115 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 1996 Renault Spider will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Citroen C3. 2002 Citroen C3 has automatic transmission and 1996 Renault Spider has manual transmission. 1996 Renault Spider will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Citroen C3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Citroen C3 | 1996 Renault Spider | |
| Make | Citroen | Renault |
| Model | C3 | Spider |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1360 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 115 Nm | 185 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1279 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 3800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2350 mm |
