2001 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 2003 BMW 520
To start off, 2003 BMW 520 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Alfa Romeo Spider. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Alfa Romeo Spider would be higher. At 2,170 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW 520 (167 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 2001 Alfa Romeo Spider. (138 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 2001 Alfa Romeo Spider. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 520 weights approximately 320 kg more than 2001 Alfa Romeo Spider. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 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 2003 BMW 520. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 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, 2003 BMW 520 (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 47 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Alfa Romeo Spider. (163 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2003 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Alfa Romeo Spider.
Compare all specifications:
2001 Alfa Romeo Spider | 2003 BMW 520 | |
Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
Model | Spider | 520 |
Year Released | 2001 | 2003 |
Body Type | Roadster | Station Wagon |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1773 cc | 2170 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 138 HP | 167 HP |
Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6100 RPM |
Torque | 163 Nm | 210 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 80 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 82.8 mm | 72 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.7:1 |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1350 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 | 2890 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |