2005 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 2003 BMW M3
To start off, 2005 Alfa Romeo Spider is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 BMW M3 would be higher. At 3,168 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW M3 (342 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 127 more horse power than 2005 Alfa Romeo Spider. (215 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2005 Alfa Romeo Spider. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW M3 weights approximately 30 kg more than 2005 Alfa Romeo Spider. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 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 2003 BMW M3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 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, 2003 BMW M3 (350 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Alfa Romeo Spider. (265 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2003 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Alfa Romeo Spider.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Alfa Romeo Spider | 2003 BMW M3 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | Spider | M3 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2957 cc | 3168 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 342 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 7900 RPM |
| Torque | 265 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.6 mm | 91 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 11.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 235 km/hour | 259 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.3 seconds | 4.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1355 kg | 1385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11 L/100km | 11.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 63 L |
