2008 Chevrolet Cobalt vs. 1997 Renault Spider
To start off, 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt is newer by 11 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 2,201 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt (149 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1997 Renault Spider. (140 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt should accelerate faster than 1997 Renault Spider. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt weights approximately 271 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.
Because 1997 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 1997 Renault Spider. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt, 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, 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt (206 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Renault Spider. (185 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Renault Spider.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt | 1997 Renault Spider | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Renault |
| Model | Cobalt | Spider |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2201 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 149 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 206 Nm | 185 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1261 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 3800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2350 mm |
