1997 BMW Z3 vs. 1988 Alfa Romeo 164
To start off, 1997 BMW Z3 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Alfa Romeo 164. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 would be higher. At 3,245 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 BMW Z3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 BMW Z3 (333 HP @ 7500 RPM) has 184 more horse power than 1988 Alfa Romeo 164. (149 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 BMW Z3 should accelerate faster than 1988 Alfa Romeo 164. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 BMW Z3 weights approximately 193 kg more than 1988 Alfa Romeo 164. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1997 BMW Z3 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 1997 BMW Z3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 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, 1997 BMW Z3 (355 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 169 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Alfa Romeo 164. (186 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1997 BMW Z3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Alfa Romeo 164.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 BMW Z3 | 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 | |
| Make | BMW | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | Z3 | 164 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3245 cc | 1962 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 333 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 355 Nm | 186 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.1:1 |
| Top Speed | 249 km/hour | 203 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1393 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 4650 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 70 L |
