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 58 more horse power than 2005 Mazda 3. (83 HP @ 5700 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 165 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, 1998 Renault Spider (185 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mazda 3. (124 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1998 Renault Spider will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mazda 3 | 1998 Renault Spider | |
| Make | Mazda | Renault |
| Model | 3 | Spider |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1349 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 83 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 185 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.5 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 | 1155 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 3800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2350 mm |
