1987 Alfa Romeo 164 vs. 1976 Mercedes-Benz 250
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 Mercedes-Benz 250. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Mercedes-Benz 250 would be higher. At 2,525 cc (6 cylinders), 1976 Mercedes-Benz 250 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Mercedes-Benz 250 (127 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1987 Alfa Romeo 164. (123 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1976 Mercedes-Benz 250 should accelerate faster than 1987 Alfa Romeo 164. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 weights approximately 130 kg more than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 250.
Because 1976 Mercedes-Benz 250 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 Mercedes-Benz 250. 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 (294 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 98 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 250. (196 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 250.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 | 1976 Mercedes-Benz 250 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 164 | 250 |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2500 cc | 2525 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 127 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 294 Nm | 196 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 22.0:1 | 8.7:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.8 seconds | 11.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1360 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 80 L |
