2009 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 1996 BMW 525
To start off, 2009 Alfa Romeo Spider is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 525. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 525 would be higher. At 3,195 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Alfa Romeo Spider is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Alfa Romeo Spider (257 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 116 more horse power than 1996 BMW 525. (141 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Alfa Romeo Spider should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Alfa Romeo Spider weights approximately 127 kg more than 1996 BMW 525. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 BMW 525 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 1996 BMW 525. 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, 2009 Alfa Romeo Spider (322 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 525. (279 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2009 Alfa Romeo Spider will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 525.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Alfa Romeo Spider | 1996 BMW 525 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | Spider | 525 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3195 cc | 2496 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 257 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 322 Nm | 279 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.6 mm | 83 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 235 km/hour | 211 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1563 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
