1981 Porsche 911 vs. 1988 Alfa Romeo 164
To start off, 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Porsche 911. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Porsche 911 would be higher. At 3,164 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Porsche 911 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Porsche 911 (232 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 109 more horse power than 1988 Alfa Romeo 164. (123 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Porsche 911 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 230 kg more than 1981 Porsche 911.
Because 1981 Porsche 911 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 Porsche 911. 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 10 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Porsche 911. (284 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Porsche 911.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Porsche 911 | 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 | |
| Make | Porsche | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | 911 | 164 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 3164 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Horse Power | 232 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 284 Nm | 294 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 22.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 246 km/hour | 202 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.3 seconds | 10.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1260 kg | 1490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 70 L |
