2008 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 2013 BMW 3 Series

To start off, 2013 BMW 3 Series is newer by 5 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 3,179 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider (237 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 2013 BMW 3 Series. (227 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider should accelerate faster than 2013 BMW 3 Series. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 BMW 3 Series weights approximately 80 kg more than 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider.

Because 2013 BMW 3 Series is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 BMW 3 Series will offer significantly more control. 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 (289 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 BMW 3 Series. (271 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 BMW 3 Series. 2013 BMW 3 Series 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. 2013 BMW 3 Series will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.

Compare all specifications:

2008 Alfa Romeo Spider 2013 BMW 3 Series
Make Alfa Romeo BMW
Model Spider 3 Series
Year Released 2008 2013
Body Type Roadster Coupe
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 3179 cc 2979 cc
Engine Cylinders 6 cylinders 6 cylinders
Engine Type V in-line
Valves per Cylinder 4 valves 4 valves
Horse Power 237 HP 227 HP
Engine RPM 6200 RPM 6500 RPM
Torque 289 Nm 271 Nm
Torque RPM 4800 RPM 2750 RPM
Engine Bore Size 93 mm 85 mm
Engine Stroke Size 78 mm 88 mm
Engine Compression Ratio 10.0:1 10.7 :1
Fuel Type Gasoline - Premium Gasoline
Top Speed 242 km/hour 210 km/hour
Acceleration 0-100mph 6.6 seconds 7.1 seconds
Drive Type Front AWD
Transmission Type Manual 8-speed automatic
Number of Seats 2 seats 5 seats
Number of Doors 2 doors 2 doors
Vehicle Weight 1545 kg 1625 kg
Vehicle Length 4310 mm 4620 mm
Vehicle Width 1780 mm 1961 mm
Vehicle Height 1320 mm 1395 mm
Wheelbase Size 2550 mm 2760 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 70 L 61 L