1987 Alfa Romeo 164 vs. 1958 BMW 501
To start off, 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 is newer by 29 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, 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 (149 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1958 BMW 501. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 should accelerate faster than 1958 BMW 501. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1958 BMW 501 weights approximately 205 kg more than 1987 Alfa Romeo 164.
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, 1987 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, 1958 BMW 501 (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Alfa Romeo 164. (186 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1958 BMW 501 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Alfa Romeo 164.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 | 1958 BMW 501 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | 164 | 501 |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1958 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1962 cc | 3168 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 149 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 186 Nm | 222 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 1405 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4650 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1540 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2840 mm |
