1978 ZIL 117 vs. 1989 Alfa Romeo 164
To start off, 1989 Alfa Romeo 164 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 ZIL 117. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 ZIL 117 would be higher. At 6,958 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 ZIL 117 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 ZIL 117 (296 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 173 more horse power than 1989 Alfa Romeo 164. (123 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 ZIL 117 should accelerate faster than 1989 Alfa Romeo 164. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 ZIL 117 weights approximately 1460 kg more than 1989 Alfa Romeo 164. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 ZIL 117 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 1978 ZIL 117. 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, 1978 ZIL 117 (570 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 276 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Alfa Romeo 164. (294 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1978 ZIL 117 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Alfa Romeo 164.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 ZIL 117 | 1989 Alfa Romeo 164 | |
| Make | ZIL | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | 117 | 164 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6958 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 296 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 570 Nm | 294 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2950 kg | 1490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5730 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2080 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1520 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3310 mm | 2670 mm |
