2000 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 1978 BMW 520
To start off, 2000 Alfa Romeo Spider is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 BMW 520 would be higher. At 1,951 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Alfa Romeo Spider (155 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1978 BMW 520. (135 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Alfa Romeo Spider should accelerate faster than 1978 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 BMW 520 weights approximately 314 kg more than 2000 Alfa Romeo Spider.
Because 1978 BMW 520 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1978 BMW 520. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2000 Alfa Romeo Spider, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1978 BMW 520 (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 117 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Alfa Romeo Spider. (163 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1978 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Alfa Romeo Spider.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Alfa Romeo Spider | 1978 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | Spider | 520 |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1747 cc | 1951 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 155 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 163 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.8 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1356 kg | 1670 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
