1987 Alfa Romeo 164 vs. 1993 BMW 856
To start off, 1993 BMW 856 is newer by 6 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 5,576 cc (12 cylinders), 1993 BMW 856 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1993 BMW 856 (376 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 184 more horse power than 1987 Alfa Romeo 164. (192 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1993 BMW 856 should accelerate faster than 1987 Alfa Romeo 164. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1993 BMW 856 weights approximately 500 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 1993 BMW 856 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 1993 BMW 856. 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, 1993 BMW 856 (550 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 305 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Alfa Romeo 164. (245 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1993 BMW 856 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 | 1993 BMW 856 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | 164 | 856 |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1993 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2959 cc | 5576 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 192 HP | 376 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 550 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.6 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1365 kg | 1865 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4650 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2690 mm |
