1990 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 1997 BMW 318
To start off, 1997 BMW 318 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Alfa Romeo Spider. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Alfa Romeo Spider 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 (124 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1997 BMW 318. (114 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 Alfa Romeo Spider should accelerate faster than 1997 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 BMW 318 weights approximately 300 kg more than 1990 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, 1997 BMW 318 (168 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Alfa Romeo Spider. (166 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1997 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Alfa Romeo Spider.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Alfa Romeo Spider | 1997 BMW 318 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | Spider | 318 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1962 cc | 1794 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 124 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 166 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1145 kg | 1445 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 63 L |
