1973 BMW 3.3 vs. 1989 Alfa Romeo 164
To start off, 1989 Alfa Romeo 164 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 BMW 3.3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 BMW 3.3 would be higher. At 3,295 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 BMW 3.3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Alfa Romeo 164 (192 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1973 BMW 3.3. (190 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Alfa Romeo 164 should accelerate faster than 1973 BMW 3.3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 BMW 3.3 weights approximately 85 kg more than 1989 Alfa Romeo 164.
Because 1973 BMW 3.3 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 1973 BMW 3.3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 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, 1973 BMW 3.3 (289 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Alfa Romeo 164. (245 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1973 BMW 3.3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Alfa Romeo 164. 1973 BMW 3.3 has automatic transmission and 1989 Alfa Romeo 164 has manual transmission. 1989 Alfa Romeo 164 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1973 BMW 3.3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 BMW 3.3 | 1989 Alfa Romeo 164 | |
| Make | BMW | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | 3.3 | 164 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3295 cc | 2959 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 192 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 289 Nm | 245 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 204 km/hour | 230 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 1365 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4650 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 70 L |
