1971 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 2011 BMW M3
To start off, 2011 BMW M3 is newer by 40 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 3,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 325 more horse power than 1971 Alfa Romeo Spider. (89 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1971 Alfa Romeo Spider. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW M3 weights approximately 675 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, 2011 BMW M3 (400 Nm) has 279 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Alfa Romeo Spider. (121 Nm). This means 2011 BMW M3 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 | 2011 BMW M3 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | Spider | M3 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1287 cc | 3999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 414 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 8300 RPM |
| Torque | 121 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 75.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 67.5 mm | 92 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 1655 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4615 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1803 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1424 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2761 mm |
