2009 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 1972 BMW 520
To start off, 2009 Alfa Romeo Spider is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 BMW 520 would be higher. At 1,991 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 BMW 520 (150 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 2009 Alfa Romeo Spider. (148 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 2009 Alfa Romeo Spider. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Alfa Romeo Spider weights approximately 35 kg more than 1972 BMW 520.
Because 1972 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 1972 BMW 520. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 1972 BMW 520 (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Alfa Romeo Spider. (181 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1972 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Alfa Romeo Spider.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Alfa Romeo Spider | 1972 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | Spider | 520 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1972 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1969 cc | 1991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 181 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 66 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 210 km/hour | 211 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.4 seconds | 10.6 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1480 kg | 1445 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 6.8 L/100km | 7.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.2 L/100km | 9.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 80 L |
