2009 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 1998 BMW 845
To start off, 2009 Alfa Romeo Spider is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 BMW 845. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 BMW 845 would be higher. At 4,398 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 BMW 845 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 BMW 845 (282 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 2009 Alfa Romeo Spider. (257 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 BMW 845 should accelerate faster than 2009 Alfa Romeo Spider. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 845 weights approximately 60 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 1998 BMW 845 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 1998 BMW 845. 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, 1998 BMW 845 (420 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 98 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Alfa Romeo Spider. (322 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1998 BMW 845 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 | 1998 BMW 845 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | Spider | 845 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3195 cc | 4398 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 257 HP | 282 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 322 Nm | 420 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.6 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2690 mm |
