1998 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 2002 BMW 318
To start off, 2002 BMW 318 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Alfa Romeo Spider. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Alfa Romeo Spider would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 BMW 318 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Alfa Romeo Spider (142 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 2002 BMW 318. (113 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Alfa Romeo Spider should accelerate faster than 2002 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 BMW 318 weights approximately 40 kg more than 1998 Alfa Romeo Spider.
Because 2002 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 2002 BMW 318. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 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, 2002 BMW 318 (175 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Alfa Romeo Spider. (169 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2002 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Alfa Romeo Spider.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Alfa Romeo Spider | 2002 BMW 318 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | Spider | 318 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1747 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 142 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 169 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.8 mm | 81 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1350 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 63 L |
