2007 Mazda RX-8 vs. 1997 Renault Spider
To start off, 2007 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 10 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, 2007 Mazda RX-8 (232 HP @ 8500 RPM) has 92 more horse power than 1997 Renault Spider. (140 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1997 Renault Spider. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 190 kg more than 1997 Renault Spider. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2007 Mazda RX-8 (216 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Renault Spider. (185 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2007 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Renault Spider.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Mazda RX-8 | 1997 Renault Spider | |
| Make | Mazda | Renault |
| Model | RX-8 | Spider |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1306 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 232 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8500 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 216 Nm | 185 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 73 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 93 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 3800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2350 mm |
