2007 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 2011 BMW 550
To start off, 2011 BMW 550 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2007 Alfa Romeo Spider. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2007 Alfa Romeo Spider would be higher. At 4,400 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 550 (400 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 218 more horse power than 2007 Alfa Romeo Spider. (182 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 2007 Alfa Romeo Spider. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 550 weights approximately 440 kg more than 2007 Alfa Romeo Spider. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2011 BMW 550 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 2011 BMW 550. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 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, 2011 BMW 550 (609 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 379 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Alfa Romeo Spider. (230 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Alfa Romeo Spider.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Alfa Romeo Spider | 2011 BMW 550 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | Spider | 550 |
| Year Released | 2007 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2198 cc | 4400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 182 HP | 400 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 609 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1530 kg | 1970 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 4905 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1859 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1463 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2969 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
