1991 Alfa Romeo 164 vs. 1988 BMW M3
To start off, 1991 Alfa Romeo 164 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW M3 would be higher. At 2,303 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW M3 (221 HP @ 6750 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1991 Alfa Romeo 164. (207 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1991 Alfa Romeo 164. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1991 Alfa Romeo 164 weights approximately 240 kg more than 1988 BMW M3.
Because 1988 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 1988 BMW M3. 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 44 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW M3. (245 Nm @ 4750 RPM). This means 1991 Alfa Romeo 164 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 Alfa Romeo 164 | 1988 BMW M3 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | 164 | M3 |
| Year Released | 1991 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1996 cc | 2303 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 207 HP | 221 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6750 RPM |
| Torque | 289 Nm | 245 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 93.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66.2 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 243 km/hour | 237 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1440 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1510 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2690 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
