1987 Alfa Romeo 164 vs. 1988 BMW 530
To start off, 1988 BMW 530 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Alfa Romeo 164. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 would be higher. At 2,986 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 BMW 530 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 (192 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1988 BMW 530. (188 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 530. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 530 weights approximately 228 kg more than 1987 Alfa Romeo 164.
Because 1988 BMW 530 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 1988 BMW 530. 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, 1988 BMW 530 (261 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Alfa Romeo 164. (245 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1988 BMW 530 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 | 1988 BMW 530 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | 164 | 530 |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2959 cc | 2986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 192 HP | 188 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 261 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.6 mm | 80 mm |
| Top Speed | 230 km/hour | 216 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1365 kg | 1593 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4650 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2770 mm |
