2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser vs. 1997 Renault Spider
To start off, 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Renault Spider. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Renault Spider would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Renault Spider is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Renault Spider (140 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser. (113 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Renault Spider should accelerate faster than 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser weights approximately 456 kg more than 1997 Renault Spider.
Because 1997 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 1997 Renault Spider. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser, 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, 1997 Renault Spider (185 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser. (157 Nm @ 4550 RPM). This means 1997 Renault Spider will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser | 1997 Renault Spider | |
| Make | Chrysler | Renault |
| Model | PT Cruiser | Spider |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 157 Nm | 185 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4550 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 77 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.8 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1446 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 3800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1610 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2350 mm |
