2001 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 1996 BMW Z3
To start off, 2001 Alfa Romeo Spider is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW Z3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW Z3 would be higher. At 2,793 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW Z3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW Z3 (184 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 2001 Alfa Romeo Spider. (138 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW Z3 should accelerate faster than 2001 Alfa Romeo Spider. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Alfa Romeo Spider weights approximately 48 kg more than 1996 BMW Z3.
Because 1996 BMW Z3 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 1996 BMW Z3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 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, 1996 BMW Z3 (275 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 112 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Alfa Romeo Spider. (163 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1996 BMW Z3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Alfa Romeo Spider.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Alfa Romeo Spider | 1996 BMW Z3 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | Spider | Z3 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1773 cc | 2793 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 184 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 163 Nm | 275 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3950 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.8 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1350 kg | 1302 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 51 L |
