1972 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 2003 BMW 520
To start off, 2003 BMW 520 is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Alfa Romeo Spider. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Alfa Romeo Spider would be higher. At 2,171 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW 520 (167 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 78 more horse power than 1972 Alfa Romeo Spider. (89 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1972 Alfa Romeo Spider. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 520 weights approximately 720 kg more than 1972 Alfa Romeo Spider. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2003 BMW 520 (210 Nm) has 89 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Alfa Romeo Spider. (121 Nm). This means 2003 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Alfa Romeo Spider.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Alfa Romeo Spider | 2003 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | Spider | 520 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1289 cc | 2171 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 121 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.1 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 67.5 mm | 72 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 1700 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2730 mm |
