1997 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 1988 BMW M3
To start off, 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW M3 would be higher. At 2,303 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW M3 (221 HP @ 6750 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider. (139 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider weights approximately 185 kg more than 1988 BMW M3.
Because 1988 BMW M3 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 1988 BMW M3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 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, 1988 BMW M3 (245 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 59 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider. (186 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1988 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider | 1988 BMW M3 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | Spider | M3 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 2303 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 221 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6750 RPM |
| Torque | 186 Nm | 245 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 93.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 196 km/hour | 237 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1510 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2690 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
