1974 Chevrolet Vega vs. 1988 Alfa Romeo 164
To start off, 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Chevrolet Vega. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Chevrolet Vega 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 104 more horse power than 1974 Chevrolet Vega. (81 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 should accelerate faster than 1974 Chevrolet Vega. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 weights approximately 415 kg more than 1974 Chevrolet Vega. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 Chevrolet Vega 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 1974 Chevrolet Vega. 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 92 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Chevrolet Vega. (167 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Chevrolet Vega.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Chevrolet Vega | 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | Vega | 164 |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2285 cc | 2959 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 259 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 93.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91.9 mm | 72.6 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1005 kg | 1420 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4650 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 42 L | 70 L |
