1968 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 1978 BMW 520
To start off, 1978 BMW 520 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Alfa Romeo Spider. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Alfa Romeo Spider would be higher. At 2,580 cc (6 cylinders), 1968 Alfa Romeo Spider is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Alfa Romeo Spider (163 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1978 BMW 520. (135 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1968 Alfa Romeo Spider should accelerate faster than 1978 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 BMW 520 weights approximately 340 kg more than 1968 Alfa Romeo Spider.
Let's talk about torque, 1978 BMW 520 (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Alfa Romeo Spider. (220 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1978 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Alfa Romeo Spider.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Alfa Romeo Spider | 1978 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | Spider | 520 |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2580 cc | 1951 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.6 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1330 kg | 1670 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 47 L | 70 L |
