This construct is used to illustrate comparisions i.e. similaraties or differences.

- is interchangeable with -에 비해서 with no difference in meaning

Examples:
금년은 작년에 비하면 더워요./Compared to last year, this year is hotter.
그 차는 비하면, 이 차가 싸요./If you compare this car to that car, it's cheap.