2008 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 2011 BMW M3
To start off, 2011 BMW M3 is newer by 3 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 3,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 231 more horse power than 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider. (183 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW M3 weights approximately 50 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 2011 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 2011 BMW M3. 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, 2011 BMW M3 (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 170 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider. (230 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2011 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider | 2011 BMW M3 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | Spider | M3 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2198 cc | 3999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 183 HP | 414 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 8300 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 75.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94.6 mm | 92 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 222 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.8 seconds | 4.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1605 kg | 1655 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 4615 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1803 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1424 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2761 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.4 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 63 L |
