# What is a "Spyder" **URL:** \ **Category:** General Discussion\ **Tags:** spider\ **Created:** [November 17, 2010, 1:58pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/what-is-a-spyder/57668 "2010-11-17T13:58:24Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 8\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![mleich](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/71c47a/32.png) [@mleich](https://community.cartalk.com/u/mleich)\ **Post date:** [November 17, 2010, 1:58pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/what-is-a-spyder/57668/1 "2010-11-17T13:58:24Z")
Is there a difference between a “spyder” and a soft top convertible? Or different meanings between the different spellings of “spyder” and “spider”? ---
**Author:** ![mcparadise](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/mcparadise/32/32_2.png) [@mcparadise](https://community.cartalk.com/u/mcparadise)\ **Post date:** [November 17, 2010, 2:09pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/what-is-a-spyder/57668/2 "2010-11-17T14:09:27Z")
The spelling is usually up to the marketing department, but it generally refers to a two-seat convertible. There are a few 4-seat convertibles, but I’ve never heard any of them referred to as either “spider” or “spyder.” ---
**Author:** ![mshugna](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ce73a5/32.png) [@mshugna](https://community.cartalk.com/u/mshugna)\ **Post date:** [November 17, 2010, 2:46pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/what-is-a-spyder/57668/3 "2010-11-17T14:46:44Z")
> **[Porsche 918 Spyder](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Porsche_918_Spyder)** > > The Porsche 918 Spyder is a mid-engined plug-in hybrid sports car by Porsche. The Spyder is powered by a naturally aspirated 4.6-litre V8 engine, developing 616 PS (608 bhp; 453 kW), with two electric motors delivering an additional 283 PS (279 bhp; 208 kW) for a combined output of 899 PS (887 bhp; 661 kW). The 918 Spyder's 6.8 kWh lithium-ion battery pack delivers an all-electric range of 19 km (12 mi) under EPA's five-cycle tests. Production began on September 18, 2013, with deliveries initiall... ---
**Author:** ![shadowfax](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/shadowfax/32/13026_2.png) [@shadowfax](https://community.cartalk.com/u/shadowfax)\ **Post date:** [November 17, 2010, 3:56pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/what-is-a-spyder/57668/4 "2010-11-17T15:56:17Z")
The Eclipse Spyder technically has 4 seats, though if you’re older than about 12 you’d have a tough time fitting. ---
**Author:** ![CamaroBeau](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/camarobeau/32/1940_2.png) [@CamaroBeau](https://community.cartalk.com/u/CamaroBeau)\ **Post date:** [November 17, 2010, 3:57pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/what-is-a-spyder/57668/5 "2010-11-17T15:57:40Z")
“The term Spyder is a European term (Spider is used in Italy) for a two-seater convertible or targa (equivalent to “roadster” in American English) implying a more rugged ride and less space than in a sedan.” ---
**Author:** ![Whitey](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/whitey/32/24680_2.png) [@Whitey](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Whitey)\ **Post date:** [November 17, 2010, 3:59pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/what-is-a-spyder/57668/6 "2010-11-17T15:59:36Z")
“Spyder D (Duane Hughes) was a classic ‘old school’ rapper and producer from New York City who combined elements of jazz and funk in his live instrumental backing tracks.”\* - [http://www.reference.com/browse/spyder?&qsrc=2890](http://www.reference.com/browse/spyder?&qsrc=2890) ---
**Author:** ![the\_same\_mountainbike](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/c89c15/32.png) [@the\_same\_mountainbike](https://community.cartalk.com/u/the_same_mountainbike)\ **Post date:** [November 18, 2010, 12:28am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/what-is-a-spyder/57668/7 "2010-11-18T00:28:02Z")
My dad’s Fiat 124 was called a “spyder” (or spider, I’m not sure which), and also had a back seat…well, at least some tiny thing behind the front sest made like a back seat. I tried looking in Wikipedia and this is what I got > **[Roadster](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roadster)** > > Roadster may refer to any of the following: I guess it’s basically just a European term for a small ragtop sportscar. ---
**Author:** ![the\_same\_mountainbike](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/c89c15/32.png) [@the\_same\_mountainbike](https://community.cartalk.com/u/the_same_mountainbike)\ **Post date:** [November 18, 2010, 7:00pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/what-is-a-spyder/57668/8 "2010-11-18T19:00:44Z")
I always thought of a Targa as a coupe with a removable roof over the driver & passenger only (leaving the B-pillars and the rear window intact). Like the old Trans Am’s and 911’s.