1981 Toyota Celica 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 Toyota Celica. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Toyota Celica 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 1981 Toyota Celica. (148 HP @ 6400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 should accelerate faster than 1981 Toyota Celica. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 weights approximately 210 kg more than 1981 Toyota Celica. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 Toyota Celica 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 Toyota Celica. 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 77 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Toyota Celica. (182 Nm @ 5200 RPM). This means 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Toyota Celica. 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 has automatic transmission and 1981 Toyota Celica has manual transmission. 1981 Toyota Celica 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:
| 1981 Toyota Celica | 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 | |
| Make | Toyota | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | Celica | 164 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1988 cc | 2959 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 182 Nm | 259 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 93.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 72.6 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1210 kg | 1420 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4650 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2670 mm |
