1987 Alfa Romeo 164 vs. 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 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 2,799 cc (6 cylinders), 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 (197 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 1987 Alfa Romeo 164. (123 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 1987 Alfa Romeo 164. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 170 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 Mercedes-Benz 280 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 Mercedes-Benz 280. 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 24 more torque (in Nm) than 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280. (270 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 | 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 164 | 280 |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1993 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2492 cc | 2799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 294 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 22.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 197 km/hour | 213 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1660 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 72 L |
