2008 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 2000 BMW 520
To start off, 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2000 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2000 BMW 520 would be higher. At 2,387 cc (5 cylinders), 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider (197 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 2000 BMW 520. (168 HP @ 6100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider should accelerate faster than 2000 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider weights approximately 65 kg more than 2000 BMW 520. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2000 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 2000 BMW 520. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 190 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 BMW 520. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider | 2000 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | Spider | 520 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2000 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2387 cc | 2171 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.4 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1735 kg | 1670 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
