2003 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 2012 BMW M3
To start off, 2012 BMW M3 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 3,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 265 more horse power than 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider. (149 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW M3 weights approximately 470 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 2012 BMW M3 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 M3. 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 M3 (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 219 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider. (181 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2012 BMW M3 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 M3 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | Spider | M3 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 3999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 149 HP | 414 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 8300 RPM |
| Torque | 181 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 75.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 92 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 210 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.4 seconds | 5.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1415 kg | 1885 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4615 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1803 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1392 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2761 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 6.8 L/100km | 12.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.3 L/100km | 18 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.2 L/100km | 9.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 63 L |
