1992 Alfa Romeo 164 vs. 1981 BMW 525
To start off, 1992 Alfa Romeo 164 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 BMW 525. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 BMW 525 would be higher. At 2,959 cc (6 cylinders), 1992 Alfa Romeo 164 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1992 Alfa Romeo 164 (207 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1981 BMW 525. (148 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1992 Alfa Romeo 164 should accelerate faster than 1981 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1992 Alfa Romeo 164 weights approximately 226 kg more than 1981 BMW 525. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 BMW 525 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 525. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1992 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, 1992 Alfa Romeo 164 (270 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 525. (215 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1992 Alfa Romeo 164 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 525.
Compare all specifications:
| 1992 Alfa Romeo 164 | 1981 BMW 525 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | 164 | 525 |
| Year Released | 1992 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2959 cc | 2495 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 207 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 270 Nm | 215 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.6 mm | 71.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8 seconds | 8.6 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1506 kg | 1280 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
