1954 BMW 502 vs. 1999 Alfa Romeo 166
To start off, 1999 Alfa Romeo 166 is newer by 45 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1954 BMW 502. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1954 BMW 502 would be higher. At 2,578 cc (8 cylinders), 1954 BMW 502 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Alfa Romeo 166 (136 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 1954 BMW 502. (100 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Alfa Romeo 166 should accelerate faster than 1954 BMW 502. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Alfa Romeo 166 weights approximately 80 kg more than 1954 BMW 502. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1954 BMW 502 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 1954 BMW 502. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Alfa Romeo 166, 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, 1999 Alfa Romeo 166 (304 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 83 more torque (in Nm) than 1954 BMW 502. (221 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1999 Alfa Romeo 166 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1954 BMW 502.
Compare all specifications:
| 1954 BMW 502 | 1999 Alfa Romeo 166 | |
| Make | BMW | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | 502 | 166 |
| Year Released | 1954 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2578 cc | 2387 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 136 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 304 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 82.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 90.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 6.9:1 | 18.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1410 kg | 1490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2600 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 72 L |
