Introduction: A number of clinical studies suggest that spinal anesthesia may be superior to general anesthesia for certain surgical procedures. Aim: To compare the duration, density of motor blockade, cephalad spread of sensory anesthesia and intra-operative hemodynamic instability between the both Groups. Method: This prospective, randomised, double blind study was conducted in 60 ASA Grades I & II patients of either sex in the age range of 20–60 years undergoing elective lower abdominal and lower limb surgery. The patients were randomly divided into two equal Groups. The hemodynamic parameters like ECG, NIBP, SpO2, adverse effects and duration of surgery were monitored and recorded. Anesthesia assessed by Modified Bromage scale and bilateral loss of sensation to pin prick. The data was analysed using SPSS 20. Results: The maximum cephalad spread of sensory level was significantly lower in Ropivacaine Group (T 5.70 ± 1.055) than Bupivacaine Group (T 4.93 ± 0.828). The Grade IV motor block by Bromage scale after 3 minutes of intra-thecal injection was seen in 24 (80%) of bupivacaine group compared to 4 patients (13.7%) in ropivacaine group with statistical significance (X2 = 26.786). There were highly significant incidence of intra-operative hypotension in bupivacaine group (17) than ropivacaine (7 patients ). No significant differences in hemodynamic variables like bradycardia and arrhythmia. Conclusion: Isobaric ropivacaine as mean of providing less motor block, early ambulation and causes less hypotension when compared with bupivacaine.