2004 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 2009 BMW M3
To start off, 2009 BMW M3 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Alfa Romeo Spider. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Alfa Romeo Spider would be higher. At 3,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 177 more horse power than 2004 Alfa Romeo Spider. (237 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2004 Alfa Romeo Spider. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Alfa Romeo Spider weights approximately 174 kg more than 2009 BMW M3.
Because 2009 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 2009 BMW M3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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, 2009 BMW M3 (401 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 101 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Alfa Romeo Spider. (300 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2009 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Alfa Romeo Spider.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Alfa Romeo Spider | 2009 BMW M3 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | Spider | M3 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3179 cc | 3999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 237 HP | 414 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 8300 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 401 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 75.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 242 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.3 seconds | 5.1 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1494 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1400 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1810 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 13.2 L/100km | 12.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 63 L |
