2003 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 2012 BMW 120
To start off, 2012 BMW 120 is newer by 9 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 BMW 120 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 120 (170 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider. (149 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 120 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 40 kg more than 2012 BMW 120.
Because 2012 BMW 120 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 2012 BMW 120. 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, 2012 BMW 120 (190 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider. (181 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 120 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 | 2012 BMW 120 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | Spider | 120 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 149 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 181 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.4 seconds | 7.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1415 kg | 1375 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1748 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1423 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 6.8 L/100km | 5.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.3 L/100km | 8.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.2 L/100km | 6.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 51 L |
