1987 Alfa Romeo 164 vs. 1965 Bristol 409
To start off, 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1965 Bristol 409. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1965 Bristol 409 would be higher. At 5,211 cc (8 cylinders), 1965 Bristol 409 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1965 Bristol 409 (215 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1987 Alfa Romeo 164. (185 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1965 Bristol 409 should accelerate faster than 1987 Alfa Romeo 164. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1965 Bristol 409 weights approximately 180 kg more than 1987 Alfa Romeo 164. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1965 Bristol 409 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 1965 Bristol 409. 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, 1965 Bristol 409 (463 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 204 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Alfa Romeo 164. (259 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1965 Bristol 409 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Alfa Romeo 164.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 | 1965 Bristol 409 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Bristol |
| Model | 164 | 409 |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1965 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2959 cc | 5211 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 259 Nm | 463 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.1 mm | 98.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.6 mm | 84.1 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1420 kg | 1600 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4650 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2910 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 81 L |
