1984 BMW 323 vs. 2010 Alfa Romeo 159
To start off, 2010 Alfa Romeo 159 is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 BMW 323. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 BMW 323 would be higher. At 2,387 cc (5 cylinders), 2010 Alfa Romeo 159 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Alfa Romeo 159 (197 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1984 BMW 323. (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Alfa Romeo 159 should accelerate faster than 1984 BMW 323. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Alfa Romeo 159 weights approximately 665 kg more than 1984 BMW 323. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1984 BMW 323 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 323. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2010 Alfa Romeo 159, 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, 2010 Alfa Romeo 159 (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 195 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 BMW 323. (205 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2010 Alfa Romeo 159 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 BMW 323.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 BMW 323 | 2010 Alfa Romeo 159 | |
| Make | BMW | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | 323 | 159 |
| Year Released | 1984 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2314 cc | 2387 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 205 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.8 mm | 90.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 17.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 204 km/hour | 226 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1090 kg | 1755 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2710 mm |
