2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1998 Renault Spider
To start off, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 8 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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata (148 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1998 Renault Spider. (141 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1998 Renault Spider.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Renault Spider. (185 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Renault Spider.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1998 Renault Spider | |
| Make | Mazda | Renault |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Spider |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 188 Nm | 185 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
