2007 BMW 323 vs. 1988 Alfa Romeo 164
To start off, 2007 BMW 323 is newer by 19 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 2,959 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 (185 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 2007 BMW 323. (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 should accelerate faster than 2007 BMW 323. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 BMW 323 weights approximately 70 kg more than 1988 Alfa Romeo 164.
Because 2007 BMW 323 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 2007 BMW 323. 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, 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 (259 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 BMW 323. (231 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 BMW 323. 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 has automatic transmission and 2007 BMW 323 has manual transmission. 2007 BMW 323 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 BMW 323 | 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 | |
| Make | BMW | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | 323 | 164 |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 2959 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 231 Nm | 259 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78.8 mm | 93.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 72.6 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1420 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4650 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1820 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
