1997 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 1998 BMW 318
To start off, 1998 BMW 318 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider would be higher. At 1,970 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 BMW 318 (140 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider. (139 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 BMW 318 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 70 kg more than 1998 BMW 318.
Because 1998 BMW 318 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 1998 BMW 318. 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, 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider (186 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 318. (180 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 318. 1998 BMW 318 has automatic transmission and 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider has manual transmission. 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 BMW 318 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider | 1998 BMW 318 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | Spider | 318 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 1893 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 186 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 83.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 196 km/hour | 203 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1315 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4220 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |
