1997 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1959 BMW 503
To start off, 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 38 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, 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 (152 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 1959 BMW 503. (139 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1959 BMW 503. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 BMW 503 weights approximately 250 kg more than 1997 Alfa Romeo 156.
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, 1997 Alfa Romeo 156, 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 35 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Alfa Romeo 156. (187 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1959 BMW 503 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Alfa Romeo 156.
Compare all specifications:
1997 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1959 BMW 503 | |
Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
Model | 156 | 503 |
Year Released | 1997 | 1959 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1969 cc | 3168 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Horse Power | 152 HP | 139 HP |
Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 4800 RPM |
Torque | 187 Nm | 222 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 82 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 75 mm |
Top Speed | 208 km/hour | 215 km/hour |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 1500 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4760 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1710 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1400 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2840 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 75 L |