2003 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 1981 BMW 628
To start off, 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 BMW 628. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 BMW 628 would be higher. At 2,788 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 BMW 628 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 BMW 628 (181 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider. (148 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 BMW 628 should accelerate faster than 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 BMW 628 weights approximately 40 kg more than 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 BMW 628 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 1981 BMW 628. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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, 1981 BMW 628 (240 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 59 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider. (181 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1981 BMW 628 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider | 1981 BMW 628 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | Spider | 628 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1908 cc | 2788 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 181 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 181 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.5:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4180 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 69 L | 70 L |
