1987 Alfa Romeo 164 vs. 1983 Porsche 959
To start off, 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Porsche 959. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Porsche 959 would be higher. At 2,849 cc (6 cylinders), 1983 Porsche 959 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Porsche 959 (444 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 321 more horse power than 1987 Alfa Romeo 164. (123 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1983 Porsche 959 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 40 kg more than 1983 Porsche 959.
Because 1983 Porsche 959 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 1983 Porsche 959. 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, 1983 Porsche 959 (510 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 216 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Alfa Romeo 164. (294 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1983 Porsche 959 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 | 1983 Porsche 959 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Porsche |
| Model | 164 | 959 |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1983 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2492 cc | 2849 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 444 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 294 Nm | 510 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1450 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2280 mm |
