2008 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 2009 BMW 550
To start off, 2009 BMW 550 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 4,799 cc, 2009 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 550 (657 HP @ 3400 RPM) has 509 more horse power than 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider. (148 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 550 weights approximately 255 kg more than 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 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 2009 BMW 550. 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, 2009 BMW 550 (490 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 308 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider. (182 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider. 2009 BMW 550 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 550 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider | 2009 BMW 550 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | Spider | 550 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 4799 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 657 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 182 Nm | 490 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 216 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.3 seconds | 5.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 1660 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1470 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1850 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 14.1 L/100km | 10.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
