2011 BMW 550 vs. 1959 Alvis TD
To start off, 2011 BMW 550 is newer by 52 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Alvis TD. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Alvis TD would be higher. At 4,400 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 550 (400 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 283 more horse power than 1959 Alvis TD. (117 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 1959 Alvis TD. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 550 weights approximately 545 kg more than 1959 Alvis TD. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2011 BMW 550 (609 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 388 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Alvis TD. (221 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Alvis TD. 1959 Alvis TD has automatic transmission and 2011 BMW 550 has manual transmission. 2011 BMW 550 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1959 Alvis TD will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2011 BMW 550 | 1959 Alvis TD | |
| Make | BMW | Alvis |
| Model | 550 | TD |
| Year Released | 2011 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4400 cc | 2993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 400 HP | 117 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 609 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1970 kg | 1425 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4905 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1859 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1463 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2969 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 64 L |
