2009 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 1978 BMW M1
To start off, 2009 Alfa Romeo Spider is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 BMW M1. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 BMW M1 would be higher. At 3,453 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 BMW M1 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 BMW M1 (273 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 2009 Alfa Romeo Spider. (256 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 BMW M1 should accelerate faster than 2009 Alfa Romeo Spider. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Alfa Romeo Spider weights approximately 465 kg more than 1978 BMW M1.
Because 1978 BMW M1 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 1978 BMW M1. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 1978 BMW M1 (330 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Alfa Romeo Spider. (322 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1978 BMW M1 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Alfa Romeo Spider.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Alfa Romeo Spider | 1978 BMW M1 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | Spider | M1 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3195 cc | 3453 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 256 HP | 273 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 322 Nm | 330 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 93.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.6 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.3:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.8 seconds | 5.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1765 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1140 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 69 L | 116 L |
