1990 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 1983 BMW 316
To start off, 1990 Alfa Romeo Spider is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 BMW 316. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 BMW 316 would be higher. At 1,962 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 Alfa Romeo Spider is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Alfa Romeo Spider (120 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1983 BMW 316. (88 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 Alfa Romeo Spider should accelerate faster than 1983 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Alfa Romeo Spider weights approximately 170 kg more than 1983 BMW 316. 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, 1990 Alfa Romeo Spider (157 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 BMW 316. (140 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1990 Alfa Romeo Spider will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 BMW 316. 1983 BMW 316 has automatic transmission and 1990 Alfa Romeo Spider has manual transmission. 1990 Alfa Romeo Spider will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1983 BMW 316 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Alfa Romeo Spider | 1983 BMW 316 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | Spider | 316 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1983 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1962 cc | 1765 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 88 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 157 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.5 mm | 71 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2630 mm |
