2008 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 2012 Ferrari 458 Italia
To start off, 2012 Ferrari 458 Italia is newer by 4 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 4,500 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Ferrari 458 Italia is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Ferrari 458 Italia (570 HP @ 9000 RPM) has 333 more horse power than 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider. (237 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Ferrari 458 Italia should accelerate faster than 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider.
Because 2012 Ferrari 458 Italia 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 2012 Ferrari 458 Italia. 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, 2012 Ferrari 458 Italia (539 Nm @ 6000 RPM) has 250 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider. (289 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2012 Ferrari 458 Italia will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider. 2012 Ferrari 458 Italia 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. 2012 Ferrari 458 Italia will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider | 2012 Ferrari 458 Italia | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Ferrari |
| Model | Spider | 458 Italia |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3179 cc | 4500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 237 HP | 570 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 9000 RPM |
| Torque | 289 Nm | 539 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed automated manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4526 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1938 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2649 mm |
