2005 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 1988 BMW 520
To start off, 2005 Alfa Romeo Spider is newer by 17 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, 2005 Alfa Romeo Spider (163 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1988 BMW 520. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Alfa Romeo Spider should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 520 weights approximately 90 kg more than 2005 Alfa Romeo Spider.
Because 1988 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 1988 BMW 520. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 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, 2005 Alfa Romeo Spider (206 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 520. (174 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2005 Alfa Romeo Spider will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 520. 1988 BMW 520 has automatic transmission and 2005 Alfa Romeo Spider has manual transmission. 2005 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:
| 2005 Alfa Romeo Spider | 1988 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | Spider | 520 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1910 cc | 1989 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 206 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 66 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.3:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 210 km/hour | 202 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.7 seconds | 12.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1480 kg | 1570 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.2 L/100km | 9.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
