2005 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 1958 BMW 503
To start off, 2005 Alfa Romeo Spider is newer by 47 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 BMW 503. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 BMW 503 would be higher. At 3,168 cc (8 cylinders), 1958 BMW 503 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Alfa Romeo Spider (215 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 1958 BMW 503. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Alfa Romeo Spider should accelerate faster than 1958 BMW 503. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1958 BMW 503 weights approximately 145 kg more than 2005 Alfa Romeo Spider.
Because 1958 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 1958 BMW 503. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 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, 2005 Alfa Romeo Spider (265 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 BMW 503. (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2005 Alfa Romeo Spider will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 BMW 503.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Alfa Romeo Spider | 1958 BMW 503 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | Spider | 503 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1958 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2957 cc | 3168 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 265 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 | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1355 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 75 L |
