1987 Alfa Romeo 164 vs. 2012 BMW M3
To start off, 2012 BMW M3 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 3,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 291 more horse power than 1987 Alfa Romeo 164. (123 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1987 Alfa Romeo 164. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW M3 weights approximately 165 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 M3 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 M3. 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 M3 (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 106 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Alfa Romeo 164. (294 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2012 BMW M3 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 M3 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | 164 | M3 |
| Year Released | 1987 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2500 cc | 3999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 414 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 8300 RPM |
| Torque | 294 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Top Speed | 202 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.8 seconds | 4.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1655 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4615 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1803 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1424 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2761 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 6.5 L/100km | 9.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 8.6 L/100km | 17.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.8 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 63 L |
