2003 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 2008 BMW Z4
To start off, 2008 BMW Z4 is newer by 5 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 3,179 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW Z4 (261 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider. (236 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW Z4 should accelerate faster than 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider weights approximately 75 kg more than 2008 BMW Z4.
Because 2008 BMW Z4 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 2008 BMW Z4. 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, 2008 BMW Z4 (316 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider. (289 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2008 BMW Z4 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 | 2008 BMW Z4 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | Spider | Z4 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3179 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 236 HP | 261 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 289 Nm | 316 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.1 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 88 mm |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.3 seconds | 5.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1470 kg | 1395 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2500 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.3 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 19.9 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 13.2 L/100km | 8.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |
