1991 Alfa Romeo 164 vs. 1981 BMW 520
To start off, 1991 Alfa Romeo 164 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 BMW 520 would be higher. At 1,996 cc (6 cylinders), 1991 Alfa Romeo 164 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Alfa Romeo 164 (207 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 84 more horse power than 1981 BMW 520. (123 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1991 Alfa Romeo 164 should accelerate faster than 1981 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1991 Alfa Romeo 164 weights approximately 220 kg more than 1981 BMW 520. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 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 1981 BMW 520. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1991 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, 1991 Alfa Romeo 164 (289 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 119 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 520. (170 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1991 Alfa Romeo 164 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 Alfa Romeo 164 | 1981 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | 164 | 520 |
| Year Released | 1991 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1996 cc | 1991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 207 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 289 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66.2 mm | 66 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 243 km/hour | 185 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1440 kg | 1220 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
