1981 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 1996 BMW 316
To start off, 1996 BMW 316 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider would be higher. At 1,594 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 BMW 316 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider (103 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1996 BMW 316. (101 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 316 weights approximately 310 kg more than 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider.
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, 1996 BMW 316 (150 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider. (145 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 316 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider | 1996 BMW 316 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | Spider | 316 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1570 cc | 1594 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 103 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 150 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1310 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2710 mm |
