2001 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1963 BMW 502
To start off, 2001 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 BMW 502. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 BMW 502 would be higher. At 3,168 cc (8 cylinders), 1963 BMW 502 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1963 BMW 502 (158 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 2001 Alfa Romeo 156. (118 HP @ 6400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1963 BMW 502 should accelerate faster than 2001 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1963 BMW 502 weights approximately 175 kg more than 2001 Alfa Romeo 156. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1963 BMW 502 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 1963 BMW 502. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 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, 1963 BMW 502 (240 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Alfa Romeo 156. (140 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1963 BMW 502 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Alfa Romeo 156.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1963 BMW 502 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | 156 | 502 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1963 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 3168 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 82.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.6 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1315 kg | 1490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1540 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 54 L |
