Quiz: Spider or Spyder? How Is It Correct?

There is an ongoing debate among car enthusiasts about the correct spelling of the term “spider” when referring to lightweight open-top sports cars. Should it be “spider” or “spyder”? This quiz aims to shed some light on the differences between the two spellings, the history behind them, and how various automakers use the terms.

Understanding the Difference

The terms “spider” and “spyder” have very similar meanings when talking about convertible cars – they both refer to lightweight, open-top vehicles with two seats. The difference lies merely in the spelling.

The term “spider” is considered to be the traditional British English spelling. It dates back to the early 20th century when small, nimble open-top cars gained popularity in the UK. The image of these fast vehicles resembling a spider scurrying along paved roads led to the “spider” moniker.

Meanwhile, “spyder” with a “y” is thought to have originated in the US in the mid-20th century. American brands like Porsche and Chevrolet favoured this spelling, and it became adopted across other manufacturers soon after. The “y” spelling is now frequently used to designate more modern, performance-focused convertibles.

So in summary – “spider” is traditional, “spyder” is contemporary. But many automakers use the terms interchangeably today.

Manufacturer Spellings

The way automakers employ the “spider” versus “spyder” terminology can cause confusion. Brands often pick one term and apply it uniformly across their range. For example:

• Porsche uses “Spyder” e.g 911 Spyder, 718 Spyder
• Audi uses “Spyder” e.g. R8 Spyder
• Mazda uses “Spider” e.g. MX-5 Miata Spider
• Fiat uses “Spider” e.g. 124 Spider

Other manufacturers switch between both spellings, sometimes even within the same model line:

• Chevrolet has used both Corvette Spider and Corvette Spyder
• Aston Martin has models like the Vantage Spider and V12 Vantage Spyder

Finally, some brands change the spelling across generations. The Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder became the Lamborghini Huracan Spider in 2014.

As you can see, there is no uniformity, which is why many car lovers end up confused.

How the Quiz Works

This quiz aims to put your knowledge on the “spider” vs “spyder” debate to the test. It contains 10 questions that mention open-top car models from different manufacturers spanning the last few decades.

Your goal is to correctly identify whether each car has “Spider” or “Spyder” in its name. You’ll need to draw upon the background provided earlier about how certain automakers approach this terminology.

Getting 9 or 10 questions right means your understanding of this niche vocabulary is strong. Between 7-8 correct answers indicates a decent grasp. Any lower suggests you need to brush up on manufacturer spellings.

At the end you’ll receive a breakdown of scores by automaker to showcase your strong and weak areas. Use it to guide further reading.

Common Confusions and Mistakes

While solving the quiz, watch out for these common pitfalls:

• Assumption of consistent spelling across generations: As explained, manufacturers sometimes switch terms even within the same model line. Don’t rely on heritage or an existing pattern.
• Overgeneralization of spelling by country: Not all British brands use “Spider” and not all American brands opt for “Spyder”. Research spellings on a marque-by-marque basis.
• Focusing too much on performance connotations: Although “Spyder” has sportier overtones, most automakers don’t follow this distinction strictly. The Audi TT Spider is an example of a more comfort-oriented “Spider” model.

Conclusion

We hope this background gives you a deeper insight into the ongoing “spider” vs “spyder” debate in automotive circles. More importantly, it should prepare you for the challenges of the accompanying quiz. Identifying the correct spelling requires knowledge of individual manufacturer tendencies.

As you’ll discover, even seasoned enthusiasts struggle with this terminology. So test your capabilities, have fun, and be sure to share any insights with fellow car lovers afterwards!