2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser vs. 1998 Renault Spider
To start off, 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser is newer by 7 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. Both 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser and 1998 Renault Spider are equipped with a 1,996 cc engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Renault Spider (141 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser. (139 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 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 434 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, 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, 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser (189 Nm @ 4150 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Renault Spider. (185 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Renault Spider.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser | 1998 Renault Spider | |
| Make | Chrysler | Renault |
| Model | PT Cruiser | Spider |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1996 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 189 Nm | 185 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4150 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83 mm | 93 mm |
| 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 | 1424 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 |
