1998 Toyota Starlet vs. 1988 Alfa Romeo 164
To start off, 1998 Toyota Starlet is newer by 10 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 1,962 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 (149 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 1998 Toyota Starlet. (74 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 should accelerate faster than 1998 Toyota Starlet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 weights approximately 450 kg more than 1998 Toyota Starlet. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 (186 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Toyota Starlet. (101 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Toyota Starlet.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Toyota Starlet | 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 | |
| Make | Toyota | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | Starlet | 164 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1332 cc | 1962 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 101 Nm | 186 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 750 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3750 mm | 4650 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1400 mm |
