2003 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 2007 BMW 550
To start off, 2007 BMW 550 is newer by 4 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 4,799 cc (8 cylinders), 2007 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 BMW 550 (362 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 126 more horse power than 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider. (236 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 BMW 550 weights approximately 190 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 2007 BMW 550 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 2007 BMW 550. 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, 2007 BMW 550 (490 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 201 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider. (289 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2007 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider. 2007 BMW 550 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. 2007 BMW 550 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider | 2007 BMW 550 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | Spider | 550 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3179 cc | 4799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 236 HP | 362 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 289 Nm | 490 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.1 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 88.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.3 seconds | 5.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1470 kg | 1660 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1470 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1850 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 13.2 L/100km | 10.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
