1971 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 1974 BMW 3
To start off, 1974 BMW 3 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Alfa Romeo Spider. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Alfa Romeo Spider would be higher. At 2,986 cc (6 cylinders), 1974 BMW 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 BMW 3 (200 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 111 more horse power than 1971 Alfa Romeo Spider. (89 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 1971 Alfa Romeo Spider. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 BMW 3 weights approximately 453 kg more than 1971 Alfa Romeo Spider. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1974 BMW 3 (270 Nm) has 149 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Alfa Romeo Spider. (121 Nm). This means 1974 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Alfa Romeo Spider.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Alfa Romeo Spider | 1974 BMW 3 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | Spider | 3 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1287 cc | 2986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 121 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 67.5 mm | 80 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 1433 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2700 mm |
