1998 BMW 330 vs. 1989 Alfa Romeo 164
To start off, 1998 BMW 330 is newer by 9 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 2,993 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 BMW 330 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Alfa Romeo 164 (185 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1998 BMW 330. (181 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Alfa Romeo 164 should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 330. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 330 weights approximately 175 kg more than 1989 Alfa Romeo 164.
Because 1998 BMW 330 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 1998 BMW 330. 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, 1998 BMW 330 (390 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 131 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Alfa Romeo 164. (259 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1998 BMW 330 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Alfa Romeo 164. 1989 Alfa Romeo 164 has automatic transmission and 1998 BMW 330 has manual transmission. 1998 BMW 330 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1989 Alfa Romeo 164 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 330 | 1989 Alfa Romeo 164 | |
| Make | BMW | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | 330 | 164 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2993 cc | 2959 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 181 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 390 Nm | 259 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 93.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 72.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1595 kg | 1420 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4650 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
