1978 Alfa Romeo Alfasud vs. 1959 BMW 503
To start off, 1978 Alfa Romeo Alfasud is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 BMW 503. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 BMW 503 would be higher. At 3,168 cc (8 cylinders), 1959 BMW 503 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 BMW 503 (139 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 1978 Alfa Romeo Alfasud. (62 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1959 BMW 503 should accelerate faster than 1978 Alfa Romeo Alfasud. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 BMW 503 weights approximately 610 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 1959 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 1959 BMW 503. 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, 1959 BMW 503 (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 134 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Alfa Romeo Alfasud. (88 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1959 BMW 503 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 | 1959 BMW 503 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | Alfasud | 503 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1186 cc | 3168 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 62 HP | 139 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 88 Nm | 222 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 59 mm | 75 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 153 km/hour | 215 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 890 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 75 L |
