2005 Mazda 3 vs. 1998 Renault Spider
To start off, 2005 Mazda 3 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. 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 33 more horse power than 2005 Mazda 3. (108 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Renault Spider should accelerate faster than 2005 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mazda 3 weights approximately 250 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 Mazda 3, 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 Mazda 3 (225 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Renault Spider. (185 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2005 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Renault Spider.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mazda 3 | 1998 Renault Spider | |
| Make | Mazda | Renault |
| Model | 3 | Spider |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1560 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 225 Nm | 185 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.3 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.3:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1240 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 3800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2350 mm |
