1987 Alfa Romeo 164 vs. 2004 BMW 520
To start off, 2004 BMW 520 is newer by 17 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 2,959 cc (6 cylinders), 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 (192 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 2004 BMW 520. (168 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 520 weights approximately 305 kg more than 1987 Alfa Romeo 164.
Because 2004 BMW 520 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 2004 BMW 520. 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 (245 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 BMW 520. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 | 2004 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | 164 | 520 |
| Year Released | 1987 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2959 cc | 2171 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 192 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 80.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.6 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1365 kg | 1670 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4650 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
