2008 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1988 Alfa Romeo 164
To start off, 2008 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 20 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 (192 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 2008 Alfa Romeo 156. (148 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 should accelerate faster than 2008 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 weights approximately 80 kg more than 2008 Alfa Romeo 156. 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 (245 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 63 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Alfa Romeo 156. (182 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Alfa Romeo 156.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | 156 | 164 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 2959 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 192 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 182 Nm | 245 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 72.6 mm |
| Top Speed | 214 km/hour | 230 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.8 seconds | 7.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1285 kg | 1365 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4650 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
