1979 Volvo 265 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 Volvo 265. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Volvo 265 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 37 more horse power than 1979 Volvo 265. (148 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 should accelerate faster than 1979 Volvo 265. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 weights approximately 20 kg more than 1979 Volvo 265. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Volvo 265 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 Volvo 265. 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 41 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Volvo 265. (218 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Volvo 265. 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 has automatic transmission and 1979 Volvo 265 has manual transmission. 1979 Volvo 265 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:
| 1979 Volvo 265 | 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 | |
| Make | Volvo | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | 265 | 164 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2662 cc | 2959 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 259 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 93.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73 mm | 72.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1400 kg | 1420 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4890 mm | 4650 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2670 mm |
