1998 Alfa Romeo 166 vs. 1958 BMW 501
To start off, 1998 Alfa Romeo 166 is newer by 40 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, 1998 Alfa Romeo 166 (226 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 88 more horse power than 1958 BMW 501. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Alfa Romeo 166 should accelerate faster than 1958 BMW 501. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Alfa Romeo 166 weights approximately 105 kg more than 1958 BMW 501. 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, 1998 Alfa Romeo 166, 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, 1998 Alfa Romeo 166 (275 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 BMW 501. (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1998 Alfa Romeo 166 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 BMW 501.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Alfa Romeo 166 | 1958 BMW 501 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | 166 | 501 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1958 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2959 cc | 3168 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 226 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 275 Nm | 222 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.6 mm | 75 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1510 kg | 1405 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1540 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2840 mm |
