1997 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 2009 BMW M5
To start off, 2009 BMW M5 is newer by 12 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 4,999 cc (10 cylinders), 2009 BMW M5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW M5 (500 HP @ 7750 RPM) has 361 more horse power than 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider. (139 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW M5 should accelerate faster than 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW M5 weights approximately 570 kg more than 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 BMW M5 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 2009 BMW M5. 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, 2009 BMW M5 (520 Nm @ 6100 RPM) has 334 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider. (186 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW M5 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 | 2009 BMW M5 | |
Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
Model | Spider | M5 |
Year Released | 1997 | 2009 |
Body Type | Roadster | Station Wagon |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1970 cc | 4999 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 10 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 139 HP | 500 HP |
Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 7750 RPM |
Torque | 186 Nm | 520 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 6100 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 12.0:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1955 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4860 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1850 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1520 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2890 mm |
Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.9 L/100km | 15 L/100km |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |