2008 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 2009 BMW 120
To start off, 2009 BMW 120 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider would be higher. At 2,198 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider (183 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 2009 BMW 120. (168 HP @ 6700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider weights approximately 80 kg more than 2009 BMW 120. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 BMW 120 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 120. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider (230 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 120. (210 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 120. 2009 BMW 120 has automatic transmission and 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider has manual transmission. 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 BMW 120 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider | 2009 BMW 120 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | Spider | 120 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2198 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 183 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 84.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94.6 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.3:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.8 seconds | 9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1605 kg | 1525 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.4 L/100km | 6.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 53 L |
