1988 Alfa Romeo 164 vs. 2012 Lexus IS
To start off, 2012 Lexus IS is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Alfa Romeo 164. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 would be higher. At 2,959 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Lexus IS (204 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1988 Alfa Romeo 164. (185 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 1988 Alfa Romeo 164. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Lexus IS weights approximately 322 kg more than 1988 Alfa Romeo 164. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Lexus IS 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 Lexus IS. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 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, 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 (259 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Lexus IS. (251 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Lexus IS.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 | 2012 Lexus IS | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Lexus |
| Model | 164 | IS |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2959 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 204 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 259 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1420 kg | 1742 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4650 mm | 4633 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1801 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1415 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2731 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 65 L |
