1978 Alfa Romeo Alfasud vs. 1958 BMW 501
To start off, 1978 Alfa Romeo Alfasud is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 BMW 501. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 BMW 501 would be higher. At 3,168 cc (8 cylinders), 1958 BMW 501 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1958 BMW 501 (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 1978 Alfa Romeo Alfasud. (84 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1958 BMW 501 should accelerate faster than 1978 Alfa Romeo Alfasud. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1958 BMW 501 weights approximately 529 kg more than 1978 Alfa Romeo Alfasud. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1958 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 1958 BMW 501. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Alfa Romeo Alfasud, 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, 1958 BMW 501 (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 102 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Alfa Romeo Alfasud. (120 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1958 BMW 501 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Alfa Romeo Alfasud.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Alfa Romeo Alfasud | 1958 BMW 501 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | Alfasud | 501 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1958 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1490 cc | 3168 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Horse Power | 84 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 120 Nm | 222 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 67.2 mm | 75 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 876 kg | 1405 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3930 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1540 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2840 mm |
