1985 Mazda 323 vs. 1988 Alfa Romeo 164
To start off, 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Mazda 323. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Mazda 323 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 82 more horse power than 1985 Mazda 323. (103 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 should accelerate faster than 1985 Mazda 323. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 weights approximately 480 kg more than 1985 Mazda 323. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 122 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Mazda 323. (137 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Mazda 323. 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 has automatic transmission and 1985 Mazda 323 has manual transmission. 1985 Mazda 323 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:
| 1985 Mazda 323 | 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 | |
| Make | Mazda | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | 323 | 164 |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 2959 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 103 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 137 Nm | 259 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 93.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83 mm | 72.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 940 kg | 1420 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4650 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2670 mm |
