1962 BMW 1800 vs. 2010 Alfa Romeo 159
To start off, 2010 Alfa Romeo 159 is newer by 48 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 BMW 1800. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 BMW 1800 would be higher. At 2,387 cc (5 cylinders), 2010 Alfa Romeo 159 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Alfa Romeo 159 (197 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 107 more horse power than 1962 BMW 1800. (90 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Alfa Romeo 159 should accelerate faster than 1962 BMW 1800. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Alfa Romeo 159 weights approximately 712 kg more than 1962 BMW 1800. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1962 BMW 1800 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 1962 BMW 1800. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2010 Alfa Romeo 159, 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, 2010 Alfa Romeo 159 (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 256 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 BMW 1800. (144 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2010 Alfa Romeo 159 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 BMW 1800.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 BMW 1800 | 2010 Alfa Romeo 159 | |
| Make | BMW | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | 1800 | 159 |
| Year Released | 1962 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1771 cc | 2387 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 90.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 17.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 161 km/hour | 226 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1043 kg | 1755 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 70 L |
