Quiz: Spider or Spyder? How Is It Correct?

Have you ever wondered why Ferrari calls its convertibles “Spider,” while Porsche insists on spelling it “Spyder”? Or perhaps it’s the other way around? This small but noticeable difference in spelling often confuses even hardcore car enthusiasts. One incorrectly typed search query, and instead of a luxurious Italian supercar, you might end up on a page about arachnids or cameras. In our new quiz, we invite you to delve into the nuances of automotive terminology and test how well you know the correct spelling of iconic models.

Understanding the Difference

The term “spider” (or “spyder”) in the automotive world has Italian origins. The word “spider” was originally used to describe lightweight open carriages with thin wheels resembling spider legs. With the development of automobile manufacturing, the term migrated to the world of motors, where it came to denote two-seater sports cars with an open top or removable roof.

But why are there two spelling variations? It all began with the Italian word “spyder,” which over time was anglicized to “spider” in some regions. However, many manufacturers deliberately retain the original “spyder” spelling as a tribute to historical heritage and to give their models an additional exotic charm.

Technically, both variants describe the same concept: a lightweight, sporty, open two-seater car. The difference lies only in the marketing preferences and historical traditions of automakers.

Manufacturer Spellings

Interestingly, the choice of spelling is often tied to the brand’s geographical origin and its marketing strategy. Here’s how the preferences of leading automakers are distributed:

Spider (with “i”):

• Ferrari – the Italian supercar manufacturer traditionally uses the spelling “Spider” for its open models, including the famous 458 Spider and F8 Spider.
• Alfa Romeo – another Italian brand that prefers the variant with “i”. Their Alfa Romeo Spider remains one of the most recognizable roadsters in history.
• Maserati – adheres to the same spelling as their compatriots, presenting models like the GranTurismo Spider.
• McLaren – the British manufacturer has also chosen the “Spider” variant for its convertible lineup.

Spyder (with “y”):

• Porsche – the German auto giant historically uses the spelling “Spyder” for its open sports models, for example, the legendary 550 Spyder and the modern 718 Spyder.
• Lamborghini – despite its Italian origin, chooses the spelling “Spyder” for Gallardo Spyder and Huracán Spyder models.
• Audi – following the traditions of the Volkswagen Group, names its open sports cars “Spyder,” as in the case of the R8 Spyder.
• Mitsubishi – the Japanese manufacturer used the spelling “Spyder” for its Eclipse Spyder roadster.

This difference in spelling is not accidental – it reflects the individuality of the brand and is often a protected element of intellectual property. That’s why correct spelling matters not only for brands but also for collectors, insurance companies, and simply connoisseurs of automotive precision.

How the Quiz Works

Our “Spider or Spyder?” quiz is designed to test and improve your knowledge of the correct spelling of models from various automakers. It’s built on a simple but engaging principle:

1. You will be shown a photograph of a car.
2. You need to choose the correct spelling variant – “Spider” or “Spyder”.
3. After each answer, you receive not only information about correctness but also a brief historical reference about the model.
4. At the end of the quiz, you’ll get an overall result and a title – from “Novice in the world of spiders” to “Expert on open supercars”.

The quiz includes 20 questions of varying difficulty. Besides the obvious Ferrari and Porsche, we’ve included rare and lesser-known models such as the Lancia Aurelia Spider and Fiat 124 Spider. Even if you don’t know the answer, you’ll have a 50% chance of guessing correctly!

The special feature of our quiz is that it’s adaptive – if you correctly answer initial-level questions, the system automatically switches to more difficult ones. This allows players of any preparation level to find the optimal balance between challenge and enjoyment of the game.

Common Confusions and Mistakes

The confusion in spelling “spider” and “spyder” extends far beyond casual enthusiasts’ errors. Even professional automotive magazines and websites sometimes make blunders:

1. Cross errors – the most common mistake, when Ferrari is called “Spyder” and Porsche – “Spider”. These errors occur even in print publications and at auctions.
2. Historical inconsistencies – some manufacturers changed the spelling over time. For example, early Porsche models were sometimes designated as “Spider,” creating confusion in historical documents.
3. Regional differences – in some countries, dealers might have used localized spelling different from the official one, especially in advertising materials before the era of globalization.
4. Unofficial nicknames – fans and clubs often use abbreviations or alternative spellings that over time may be perceived as official.

Interesting fact: incorrect spelling in collector documents can significantly reduce the value of a rare car at sale. For example, an incorrectly issued certificate for a Ferrari 250 GT Spider can lead to a loss of tens of thousands of dollars from the appraised value.

Our quiz will help you avoid such mistakes and become a true expert in automotive terminology. Whether you’re planning to purchase a luxury roadster or simply want to impress with your knowledge in a conversation with friends, an accurate understanding of the differences between “Spider” and “Spyder” will add to your authority in the automotive community.

Ready to test your knowledge? Launch the quiz and find out how well you know the world of open sports cars!