2004 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 1954 BMW 502
To start off, 2004 Alfa Romeo Spider is newer by 50 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1954 BMW 502. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1954 BMW 502 would be higher. At 2,578 cc (8 cylinders), 1954 BMW 502 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Alfa Romeo Spider (148 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 1954 BMW 502. (100 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Alfa Romeo Spider should accelerate faster than 1954 BMW 502. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Alfa Romeo Spider weights approximately 72 kg more than 1954 BMW 502. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1954 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 1954 BMW 502. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Alfa Romeo Spider, 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, 1954 BMW 502 (221 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Alfa Romeo Spider. (181 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1954 BMW 502 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Alfa Romeo Spider.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Alfa Romeo Spider | 1954 BMW 502 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | Spider | 502 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1954 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 2578 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 181 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 6.9:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 210 km/hour | 166 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1482 kg | 1410 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
