2009 Ford Focus vs. 1998 Renault Spider
To start off, 2009 Ford Focus is newer by 11 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), 2009 Ford Focus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Focus (144 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1998 Renault Spider. (141 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 1998 Renault Spider. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Renault Spider weights approximately 24 kg more than 2009 Ford Focus.
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, 2009 Ford Focus, 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, both vehicles can yield 185 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Focus | 1998 Renault Spider | |
| Make | Ford | Renault |
| Model | Focus | Spider |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Sedan | 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 | 144 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 185 Nm | 185 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 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 | 966 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 3800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2350 mm |
