1990 Alfa Romeo 164 vs. 1988 BMW 520
To start off, 1990 Alfa Romeo 164 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW 520 would be higher. At 2,959 cc (6 cylinders), 1990 Alfa Romeo 164 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Alfa Romeo 164 (200 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 1988 BMW 520. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 Alfa Romeo 164 should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 520 weights approximately 141 kg more than 1990 Alfa Romeo 164.
Because 1988 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 1988 BMW 520. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 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, 1990 Alfa Romeo 164 (264 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 520. (174 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1990 Alfa Romeo 164 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 520. 1988 BMW 520 has automatic transmission and 1990 Alfa Romeo 164 has manual transmission. 1990 Alfa Romeo 164 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1988 BMW 520 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Alfa Romeo 164 | 1988 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | 164 | 520 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2959 cc | 1989 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 264 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 232 km/hour | 202 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.7 seconds | 12.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1429 kg | 1570 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
