1990 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 1972 BMW 520
To start off, 1990 Alfa Romeo Spider is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 BMW 520 would be higher. At 1,989 cc (4 cylinders), 1972 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Alfa Romeo Spider (120 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1972 BMW 520. (113 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 Alfa Romeo Spider should accelerate faster than 1972 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 BMW 520 weights approximately 70 kg more than 1990 Alfa Romeo Spider.
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, 1972 BMW 520 (165 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Alfa Romeo Spider. (157 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1972 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Alfa Romeo Spider.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Alfa Romeo Spider | 1972 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | Spider | 520 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1972 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1962 cc | 1989 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 157 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.5 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.2 seconds | 12.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 1230 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2640 mm |
