2008 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 2009 BMW Z4
To start off, 2009 BMW Z4 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 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 BMW Z4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW Z4 (335 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 153 more horse power than 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider. (182 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW Z4 should accelerate faster than 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider weights approximately 295 kg more than 2009 BMW Z4.
Because 2009 BMW Z4 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 Z4. 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 Z4 (315 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider. (230 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2009 BMW Z4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider. 2009 BMW Z4 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 Z4 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider | 2009 BMW Z4 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | Spider | Z4 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2197 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 182 HP | 335 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 7900 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 315 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.3:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 222 km/hour | 244 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.8 seconds | 6.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1605 kg | 1310 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2500 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.4 L/100km | 9.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |
