2007 Alfa Romeo 159 vs. 1959 BMW 503
To start off, 2007 Alfa Romeo 159 is newer by 48 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, 2007 Alfa Romeo 159 (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1959 BMW 503. (139 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Alfa Romeo 159 should accelerate faster than 1959 BMW 503. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Alfa Romeo 159 weights approximately 105 kg more than 1959 BMW 503. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2007 Alfa Romeo 159, 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 32 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Alfa Romeo 159. (190 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1959 BMW 503 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Alfa Romeo 159.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Alfa Romeo 159 | 1959 BMW 503 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | 159 | 503 |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1859 cc | 3168 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 139 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 222 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 75 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 210 km/hour | 215 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1605 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 75 L |
