1981 BMW 518 vs. 1989 Alfa Romeo 164
To start off, 1989 Alfa Romeo 164 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 BMW 518. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 BMW 518 would be higher. At 1,995 cc (6 cylinders), 1989 Alfa Romeo 164 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Alfa Romeo 164 (175 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 85 more horse power than 1981 BMW 518. (90 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Alfa Romeo 164 should accelerate faster than 1981 BMW 518. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Alfa Romeo 164 weights approximately 110 kg more than 1981 BMW 518. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 BMW 518 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 1981 BMW 518. 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, 1989 Alfa Romeo 164 (265 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 125 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 518. (140 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1989 Alfa Romeo 164 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 518.
Compare all specifications:
1981 BMW 518 | 1989 Alfa Romeo 164 | |
Make | BMW | Alfa Romeo |
Model | 518 | 164 |
Year Released | 1981 | 1989 |
Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1766 cc | 1995 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Horse Power | 90 HP | 175 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5250 RPM |
Torque | 140 Nm | 265 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 8.0:1 |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1250 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4650 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1760 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1400 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2670 mm |