1963 BMW 502 vs. 1988 Alfa Romeo 164
To start off, 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 BMW 502. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 BMW 502 would be higher. At 3,168 cc (8 cylinders), 1963 BMW 502 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1963 BMW 502 (158 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1988 Alfa Romeo 164. (149 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1963 BMW 502 should accelerate faster than 1988 Alfa Romeo 164. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1963 BMW 502 weights approximately 290 kg more than 1988 Alfa Romeo 164. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1963 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 1963 BMW 502. 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, 1963 BMW 502 (240 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 54 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Alfa Romeo 164. (186 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1963 BMW 502 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Alfa Romeo 164.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 BMW 502 | 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 | |
| Make | BMW | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | 502 | 164 |
| Year Released | 1963 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 1962 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 186 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.1:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1200 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 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 70 L |
