2003 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 2004 BMW 525
To start off, 2004 BMW 525 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider would be higher. At 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 BMW 525 (189 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider. (148 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 525 weights approximately 235 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 2004 BMW 525 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 2004 BMW 525. 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, 2004 BMW 525 (245 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 64 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider. (181 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2004 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider. 2004 BMW 525 has automatic transmission and 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider has manual transmission. 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 BMW 525 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider | 2004 BMW 525 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | Spider | 525 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1908 cc | 2494 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 181 Nm | 245 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 84.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.5:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 1665 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4180 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 6.8 L/100km | 7.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.3 L/100km | 14.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.2 L/100km | 10.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 69 L | 70 L |
