1957 BMW 501 vs. 1989 Alfa Romeo 164
To start off, 1989 Alfa Romeo 164 is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 BMW 501. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 BMW 501 would be higher. At 3,168 cc (8 cylinders), 1957 BMW 501 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Alfa Romeo 164 (185 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1957 BMW 501. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Alfa Romeo 164 should accelerate faster than 1957 BMW 501. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Alfa Romeo 164 weights approximately 15 kg more than 1957 BMW 501. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1957 BMW 501 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 1957 BMW 501. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Alfa Romeo 164, 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, 1989 Alfa Romeo 164 (259 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 BMW 501. (223 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1989 Alfa Romeo 164 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 BMW 501.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 BMW 501 | 1989 Alfa Romeo 164 | |
| Make | BMW | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | 501 | 164 |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 2959 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 223 Nm | 259 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 93.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 72.6 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 1420 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4650 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2670 mm |
