1980 BMW M5 vs. 1961 Alfa Romeo 2600
To start off, 1980 BMW M5 is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Alfa Romeo 2600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Alfa Romeo 2600 would be higher. At 3,453 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 BMW M5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 BMW M5 (218 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1961 Alfa Romeo 2600. (163 HP @ 5900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 BMW M5 should accelerate faster than 1961 Alfa Romeo 2600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 BMW M5 weights approximately 21 kg more than 1961 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, 1980 BMW M5 (304 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 84 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Alfa Romeo 2600. (220 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1980 BMW M5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Alfa Romeo 2600.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 BMW M5 | 1961 Alfa Romeo 2600 | |
| Make | BMW | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | M5 | 2600 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1961 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3453 cc | 2583 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 218 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.4 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 79.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.3:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 228 km/hour | 193 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1391 kg | 1370 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 60 L |
