1957 BMW 503 vs. 1988 Alfa Romeo 164
To start off, 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 BMW 503. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 BMW 503 would be higher. At 3,168 cc (8 cylinders), 1957 BMW 503 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 (185 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1957 BMW 503. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 should accelerate faster than 1957 BMW 503. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1957 BMW 503 weights approximately 80 kg more than 1988 Alfa Romeo 164.
Because 1957 BMW 503 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 503. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 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, 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 (259 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 37 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 BMW 503. (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 BMW 503.
Compare all specifications:
1957 BMW 503 | 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 | |
Make | BMW | Alfa Romeo |
Model | 503 | 164 |
Year Released | 1957 | 1988 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3168 cc | 2959 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 138 HP | 185 HP |
Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
Torque | 222 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 |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1420 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4650 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1760 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1400 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2670 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 70 L |