1998 Alfa Romeo 166 vs. 1959 BMW 503
To start off, 1998 Alfa Romeo 166 is newer by 39 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, 1998 Alfa Romeo 166 (155 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 1959 BMW 503. (139 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Alfa Romeo 166 should accelerate faster than 1959 BMW 503. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 BMW 503 weights approximately 5 kg more than 1998 Alfa Romeo 166.
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, 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, 1959 BMW 503 (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Alfa Romeo 166. (187 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1959 BMW 503 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Alfa Romeo 166.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Alfa Romeo 166 | 1959 BMW 503 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | 166 | 503 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 3168 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 155 HP | 139 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 187 Nm | 222 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.1 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 75 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1495 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 75 L |
