1990 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 1988 BMW 520
To start off, 1990 Alfa Romeo Spider is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW 520 would be higher. At 1,989 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW 520 (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1990 Alfa Romeo Spider. (120 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1990 Alfa Romeo Spider. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 520 weights approximately 410 kg more than 1990 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, 1988 BMW 520 (174 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Alfa Romeo Spider. (157 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1988 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Alfa Romeo Spider. 1988 BMW 520 has automatic transmission and 1990 Alfa Romeo Spider has manual transmission. 1990 Alfa Romeo Spider will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1988 BMW 520 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Alfa Romeo Spider | 1988 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | Spider | 520 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1962 cc | 1989 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 157 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.5 mm | 66 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.2 seconds | 12.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 1570 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2770 mm |
