2009 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 2004 BMW 318
To start off, 2009 Alfa Romeo Spider is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 BMW 318 would be higher. At 3,179 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Alfa Romeo Spider is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Alfa Romeo Spider (237 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 2004 BMW 318. (148 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Alfa Romeo Spider should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Alfa Romeo Spider weights approximately 153 kg more than 2004 BMW 318. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 BMW 318 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 2004 BMW 318. 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, 2009 Alfa Romeo Spider (289 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 89 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 BMW 318. (200 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2009 Alfa Romeo Spider will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Alfa Romeo Spider | 2004 BMW 318 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | Spider | 318 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3179 cc | 1994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 237 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 289 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 242 km/hour | 218 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.3 seconds | 9.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1548 kg | 1395 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 13.2 L/100km | 7.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 63 L |
