1987 Alfa Romeo 164 vs. 2009 BMW 520
To start off, 2009 BMW 520 is newer by 22 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 17 more horse power than 2009 BMW 520. (175 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 520 weights approximately 220 kg more than 1987 Alfa Romeo 164.
Because 2009 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 2009 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, 2009 BMW 520 (350 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 105 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Alfa Romeo 164. (245 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 520 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 | 2009 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | 164 | 520 |
| Year Released | 1987 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2959 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 192 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 16.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 230 km/hour | 218 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.7 seconds | 8.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1365 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4650 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
