1987 Alfa Romeo 164 vs. 2012 BMW 118
To start off, 2012 BMW 118 is newer by 25 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 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 118 (143 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1987 Alfa Romeo 164. (123 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 118 should accelerate faster than 1987 Alfa Romeo 164. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 118 weights approximately 60 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 2012 BMW 118 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 2012 BMW 118. 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, 2012 BMW 118 (300 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Alfa Romeo 164. (294 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 118 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 | 2012 BMW 118 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | 164 | 118 |
| Year Released | 1987 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2500 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 143 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 294 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.8 seconds | 9.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1550 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1748 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1411 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 6.5 L/100km | 4.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 8.6 L/100km | 6.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.8 L/100km | 5.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 51 L |
