2001 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 2006 BMW 523
To start off, 2006 BMW 523 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Alfa Romeo Spider. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Alfa Romeo Spider would be higher. At 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 BMW 523 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW 523 (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 2001 Alfa Romeo Spider. (138 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW 523 should accelerate faster than 2001 Alfa Romeo Spider. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW 523 weights approximately 282 kg more than 2001 Alfa Romeo Spider. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 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 2006 BMW 523. 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, 2006 BMW 523 (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 67 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Alfa Romeo Spider. (163 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2006 BMW 523 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 | 2006 BMW 523 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | Spider | 523 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1773 cc | 2497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 163 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.8 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1350 kg | 1632 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
