1984 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 1989 Alfa Romeo 164
To start off, 1989 Alfa Romeo 164 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 2,959 cc (6 cylinders), 1989 Alfa Romeo 164 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Alfa Romeo 164 (185 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 1984 Mercedes-Benz S. (154 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Alfa Romeo 164 should accelerate faster than 1984 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 140 kg more than 1989 Alfa Romeo 164.
Because 1984 Mercedes-Benz S 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 Mercedes-Benz S. 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 (259 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Mercedes-Benz S. (223 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1989 Alfa Romeo 164 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Mercedes-Benz S. 1989 Alfa Romeo 164 has automatic transmission and 1984 Mercedes-Benz S has manual transmission. 1984 Mercedes-Benz S will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1989 Alfa Romeo 164 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Mercedes-Benz S | 1989 Alfa Romeo 164 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | S | 164 |
| Year Released | 1984 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2744 cc | 2959 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 154 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 223 Nm | 259 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 1420 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 4650 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2670 mm |
