1963 Alfa Romeo 2600 vs. 1996 BMW 540
To start off, 1996 BMW 540 is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 Alfa Romeo 2600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 Alfa Romeo 2600 would be higher. At 4,397 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 540 (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 139 more horse power than 1963 Alfa Romeo 2600. (143 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 1963 Alfa Romeo 2600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 595 kg more than 1963 Alfa Romeo 2600. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1996 BMW 540 (440 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 224 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 Alfa Romeo 2600. (216 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 Alfa Romeo 2600.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 Alfa Romeo 2600 | 1996 BMW 540 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | 2600 | 540 |
| Year Released | 1963 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2584 cc | 4397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 143 HP | 282 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 216 Nm | 440 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.6 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1220 kg | 1815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2830 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 100 L | 70 L |
