2003 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 2012 Jaguar XK
To start off, 2012 Jaguar XK 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 5,000 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Jaguar XK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Jaguar XK (510 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 274 more horse power than 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider. (236 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Jaguar XK should accelerate faster than 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Jaguar XK weights approximately 330 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 Jaguar XK 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 Jaguar XK. 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 Jaguar XK (624 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 335 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider. (289 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2012 Jaguar XK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider. 2012 Jaguar XK 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. 2012 Jaguar XK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider | 2012 Jaguar XK | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Jaguar |
| Model | Spider | XK |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3179 cc | 5000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 236 HP | 510 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 289 Nm | 624 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1470 kg | 1800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4793 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1892 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1321 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2751 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 9.3 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 19.9 L/100km | 15.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 61 L |
