1987 Alfa Romeo 164 vs. 1976 BMW 3.3
To start off, 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 BMW 3.3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 BMW 3.3 would be higher. At 3,295 cc (6 cylinders), 1976 BMW 3.3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 BMW 3.3 (194 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1987 Alfa Romeo 164. (185 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1976 BMW 3.3 should accelerate faster than 1987 Alfa Romeo 164. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 BMW 3.3 weights approximately 74 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 1976 BMW 3.3 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 1976 BMW 3.3. 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, 1976 BMW 3.3 (285 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Alfa Romeo 164. (259 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1976 BMW 3.3 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 | 1976 BMW 3.3 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | 164 | 3.3 |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2959 cc | 3295 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 194 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 259 Nm | 285 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.1 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.6 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1420 kg | 1494 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4650 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 78 L |
