1998 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 2009 BMW 523
To start off, 2009 BMW 523 is newer by 11 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 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 BMW 523 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 523 (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 1998 Alfa Romeo Spider. (142 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 523 should accelerate faster than 1998 Alfa Romeo Spider. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 523 weights approximately 140 kg more than 1998 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 523 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 523. 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, 2009 BMW 523 (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Alfa Romeo Spider. (169 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 523 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 | 2009 BMW 523 | |
Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
Model | Spider | 523 |
Year Released | 1998 | 2009 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1747 cc | 2497 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 142 HP | 175 HP |
Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
Torque | 169 Nm | 230 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 82 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 82.8 mm | 78.8 mm |
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 | 1350 kg | 1490 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4850 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1470 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1850 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2890 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |