1981 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 2003 BMW 520
To start off, 2003 BMW 520 is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 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 @ 5800 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider. (103 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 520 weights approximately 560 kg more than 1981 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 @ 3500 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider. (145 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2003 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider.
Compare all specifications:
1981 Alfa Romeo Spider | 2003 BMW 520 | |
Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
Model | Spider | 520 |
Year Released | 1981 | 2003 |
Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1570 cc | 2171 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 103 HP | 167 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
Torque | 145 Nm | 210 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 80 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 72 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.8:1 |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1560 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4850 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1850 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1470 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 3000 mm |