1984 BMW 316 vs. 1998 Alfa Romeo 155
To start off, 1998 Alfa Romeo 155 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 BMW 316. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 BMW 316 would be higher. At 1,767 cc (4 cylinders), 1984 BMW 316 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Alfa Romeo 155 (118 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1984 BMW 316. (88 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Alfa Romeo 155 should accelerate faster than 1984 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Alfa Romeo 155 weights approximately 280 kg more than 1984 BMW 316. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1984 BMW 316 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 1984 BMW 316. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Alfa Romeo 155, 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, 1998 Alfa Romeo 155 (144 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 BMW 316. (140 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1998 Alfa Romeo 155 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 BMW 316. 1984 BMW 316 has automatic transmission and 1998 Alfa Romeo 155 has manual transmission. 1998 Alfa Romeo 155 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1984 BMW 316 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 BMW 316 | 1998 Alfa Romeo 155 | |
| Make | BMW | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | 316 | 155 |
| Year Released | 1984 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1767 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 88 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 144 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 75.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 1270 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1450 mm |
