1979 Ferrari 308 vs. 1988 Alfa Romeo 164
To start off, 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Ferrari 308. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Ferrari 308 would be higher. At 2,927 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Ferrari 308 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Ferrari 308 (240 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 117 more horse power than 1988 Alfa Romeo 164. (123 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Ferrari 308 should accelerate faster than 1988 Alfa Romeo 164. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 weights approximately 210 kg more than 1979 Ferrari 308.
Because 1979 Ferrari 308 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 1979 Ferrari 308. 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 (294 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Ferrari 308. (260 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Ferrari 308.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Ferrari 308 | 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 | |
| Make | Ferrari | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | 308 | 164 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2927 cc | 2492 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 294 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 22.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 1490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4390 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1130 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 74 L | 70 L |
