1993 BMW 856 vs. 1989 Alfa Romeo 164
To start off, 1993 BMW 856 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Alfa Romeo 164. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Alfa Romeo 164 would be higher. At 5,576 cc (12 cylinders), 1993 BMW 856 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1993 BMW 856 (376 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 201 more horse power than 1989 Alfa Romeo 164. (175 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1993 BMW 856 should accelerate faster than 1989 Alfa Romeo 164. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1993 BMW 856 weights approximately 615 kg more than 1989 Alfa Romeo 164. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1993 BMW 856 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 1993 BMW 856. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 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, 1993 BMW 856 (550 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 285 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Alfa Romeo 164. (265 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1993 BMW 856 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Alfa Romeo 164.
Compare all specifications:
| 1993 BMW 856 | 1989 Alfa Romeo 164 | |
| Make | BMW | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | 856 | 164 |
| Year Released | 1993 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5576 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 376 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 550 Nm | 265 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1865 kg | 1250 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4650 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2670 mm |
