2003 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 2011 BMW 118
To start off, 2011 BMW 118 is newer by 8 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, 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider (236 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 2011 BMW 118. (177 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider should accelerate faster than 2011 BMW 118. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider weights approximately 75 kg more than 2011 BMW 118. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2011 BMW 118 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 2011 BMW 118. 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, 2011 BMW 118 (350 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider. (289 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 118 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 | 2011 BMW 118 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | Spider | 118 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3179 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 236 HP | 177 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 289 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.3 seconds | 9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1470 kg | 1395 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1748 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1423 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.3 L/100km | 4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 19.9 L/100km | 5.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 13.2 L/100km | 4.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 51 L |
