1987 Alfa Romeo 164 vs. 2001 Volkswagen W12
To start off, 2001 Volkswagen W12 is newer by 14 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 5,998 cc (12 cylinders), 2001 Volkswagen W12 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Volkswagen W12 (590 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 467 more horse power than 1987 Alfa Romeo 164. (123 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Volkswagen W12 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 290 kg more than 2001 Volkswagen W12.
Because 2001 Volkswagen W12 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 2001 Volkswagen W12. 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, 2001 Volkswagen W12 (620 Nm @ 5800 RPM) has 326 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Alfa Romeo 164. (294 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2001 Volkswagen W12 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 | 2001 Volkswagen W12 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Volkswagen |
| Model | 164 | W12 |
| Year Released | 1987 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2492 cc | 5998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | W |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 590 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 294 Nm | 620 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 22.0:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 197 km/hour | 350 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.8 seconds | 3.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1110 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2520 mm |
