1987 Alfa Romeo 164 vs. 1997 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1997 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 10 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 3,785 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Pontiac Firebird (198 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 1987 Alfa Romeo 164. (123 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1987 Alfa Romeo 164. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 50 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 1997 Pontiac Firebird 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 1997 Pontiac Firebird. 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, 1997 Pontiac Firebird (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Alfa Romeo 164. (294 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1997 Pontiac Firebird 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 | 1997 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Pontiac |
| Model | 164 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2500 cc | 3785 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 198 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 294 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 22.0:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 76 L |
