1980 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 2009 BMW 520
To start off, 2009 BMW 520 is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Alfa Romeo Spider. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Alfa Romeo Spider would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 520 (175 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1980 Alfa Romeo Spider. (105 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1980 Alfa Romeo Spider. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 520 weights approximately 585 kg more than 1980 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, 2009 BMW 520 (350 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 201 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Alfa Romeo Spider. (149 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Alfa Romeo Spider.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Alfa Romeo Spider | 2009 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | Spider | 520 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1570 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 105 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 149 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 16.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2890 mm |
