1987 Alfa Romeo 164 vs. 1951 Alvis TA 21
To start off, 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1951 Alvis TA 21. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1951 Alvis TA 21 would be higher. At 2,993 cc (6 cylinders), 1951 Alvis TA 21 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 (185 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 92 more horse power than 1951 Alvis TA 21. (93 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 should accelerate faster than 1951 Alvis TA 21. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1951 Alvis TA 21 weights approximately 28 kg more than 1987 Alfa Romeo 164.
Because 1951 Alvis TA 21 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 1951 Alvis TA 21. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1987 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, 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 (259 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 1951 Alvis TA 21. (204 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1951 Alvis TA 21. 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 has automatic transmission and 1951 Alvis TA 21 has manual transmission. 1951 Alvis TA 21 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 | 1951 Alvis TA 21 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Alvis |
| Model | 164 | TA 21 |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1951 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2959 cc | 2993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 93 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 259 Nm | 204 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.1 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.6 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 7.1:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1420 kg | 1448 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4650 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1600 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 64 L |
