1959 MG MGA vs. 1988 Alfa Romeo 164
To start off, 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 MG MGA. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 MG MGA would be higher. At 2,959 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 (185 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 1959 MG MGA. (106 HP @ 6700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 should accelerate faster than 1959 MG MGA. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 weights approximately 520 kg more than 1959 MG MGA. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 MG MGA 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 MG MGA. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Alfa Romeo 164, 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, 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 (259 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 118 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 MG MGA. (141 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 MG MGA. 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 has automatic transmission and 1959 MG MGA has manual transmission. 1959 MG MGA will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 MG MGA | 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 | |
| Make | MG | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | MGA | 164 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 2959 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 106 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 141 Nm | 259 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 900 kg | 1420 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3970 mm | 4650 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1460 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2390 mm | 2670 mm |
