1987 Alfa Romeo 164 vs. 1977 BMW 520
To start off, 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 BMW 520 would be higher. At 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1977 BMW 520 (134 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1987 Alfa Romeo 164. (123 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1977 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1987 Alfa Romeo 164. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 BMW 520 weights approximately 75 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 1977 BMW 520 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 1977 BMW 520. 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 14 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 BMW 520. (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 | 1977 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | 164 | 520 |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1977 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2500 cc | 1951 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 294 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 22.0:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 202 km/hour | 206 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.8 seconds | 10.9 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 | 1565 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 6.5 L/100km | 4.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 8.6 L/100km | 7.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.8 L/100km | 5.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
