1974 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 1997 BMW Z3
To start off, 1997 BMW Z3 is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Alfa Romeo Spider. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Alfa Romeo Spider would be higher. At 3,245 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 BMW Z3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 BMW Z3 (333 HP @ 7500 RPM) has 244 more horse power than 1974 Alfa Romeo Spider. (89 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 BMW Z3 should accelerate faster than 1974 Alfa Romeo Spider. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 BMW Z3 weights approximately 409 kg more than 1974 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, 1997 BMW Z3 (355 Nm) has 234 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Alfa Romeo Spider. (121 Nm). This means 1997 BMW Z3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Alfa Romeo Spider.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Alfa Romeo Spider | 1997 BMW Z3 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | Spider | Z3 |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1289 cc | 3245 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 333 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 7500 RPM |
| Torque | 121 Nm | 355 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 67.5 mm | 89.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 984 kg | 1393 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2450 mm |
