2005 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 2011 BMW 520
To start off, 2011 BMW 520 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Alfa Romeo Spider. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Alfa Romeo Spider would be higher. At 2,957 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Alfa Romeo Spider is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Alfa Romeo Spider (215 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 2011 BMW 520. (182 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Alfa Romeo Spider should accelerate faster than 2011 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 520 weights approximately 435 kg more than 2005 Alfa Romeo Spider.
Because 2011 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 2011 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, 2011 BMW 520 (270 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Alfa Romeo Spider. (265 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Alfa Romeo Spider. 2011 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. 2011 BMW 520 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Alfa Romeo Spider | 2011 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | Spider | 520 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2957 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 265 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 90.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.6 mm | 84 mm |
| Top Speed | 235 km/hour | 220 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.3 seconds | 8.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1355 kg | 1790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4907 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1462 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
