1996 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 2008 BMW 550
To start off, 2008 BMW 550 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Alfa Romeo Spider. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Alfa Romeo Spider would be higher. At 4,799 cc, 2008 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 550 (360 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 222 more horse power than 1996 Alfa Romeo Spider. (138 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 1996 Alfa Romeo Spider. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 550 weights approximately 275 kg more than 1996 Alfa Romeo Spider. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 BMW 550 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2008 BMW 550. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Alfa Romeo Spider, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2008 BMW 550 (490 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 304 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Alfa Romeo Spider. (186 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Alfa Romeo Spider. 2008 BMW 550 has automatic transmission and 1996 Alfa Romeo Spider has manual transmission. 1996 Alfa Romeo Spider will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 BMW 550 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Alfa Romeo Spider | 2008 BMW 550 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | Spider | 550 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1969 cc | 4799 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 360 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 186 Nm | 490 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 88.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 196 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1660 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.9 L/100km | 11.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
