2008 Fiat Grande Punto vs. 1997 Renault Spider
To start off, 2008 Fiat Grande Punto 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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Renault Spider is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Renault Spider (140 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 2008 Fiat Grande Punto. (129 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Renault Spider should accelerate faster than 2008 Fiat Grande Punto. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Fiat Grande Punto weights approximately 290 kg more than 1997 Renault Spider.
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 Fiat Grande Punto, 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 Fiat Grande Punto (280 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 95 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Renault Spider. (185 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2008 Fiat Grande Punto will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Renault Spider.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Fiat Grande Punto | 1997 Renault Spider | |
| Make | Fiat | Renault |
| Model | Grande Punto | Spider |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1910 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 185 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.4 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 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 | 1280 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4040 mm | 3800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2350 mm |
