1982 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 1996 BMW 520
To start off, 1996 BMW 520 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Alfa Romeo Spider. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Alfa Romeo Spider would be higher. At 1,990 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 520 (150 HP) has 42 more horse power than 1982 Alfa Romeo Spider. (108 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1982 Alfa Romeo Spider. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 520 weights approximately 496 kg more than 1982 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, 1996 BMW 520 (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Alfa Romeo Spider. (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Alfa Romeo Spider.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Alfa Romeo Spider | 1996 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | Spider | 520 |
| Year Released | 1982 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1570 cc | 1990 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 150 HP |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 66 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1496 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2840 mm |
