2009 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 1992 BMW 538
To start off, 2009 Alfa Romeo Spider is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1992 BMW 538. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1992 BMW 538 would be higher. At 3,795 cc (6 cylinders), 1992 BMW 538 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1992 BMW 538 (341 HP @ 6900 RPM) has 178 more horse power than 2009 Alfa Romeo Spider. (163 HP @ 6400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1992 BMW 538 should accelerate faster than 2009 Alfa Romeo Spider. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1992 BMW 538 weights approximately 350 kg more than 2009 Alfa Romeo Spider. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1992 BMW 538 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 1992 BMW 538. 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, 1992 BMW 538 (400 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 194 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Alfa Romeo Spider. (206 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 1992 BMW 538 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 | 1992 BMW 538 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | Spider | 538 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1992 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 3795 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 341 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 6900 RPM |
| Torque | 206 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.1 mm | 94.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.3:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1480 kg | 1830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1400 mm |
