2008 BMW 523 vs. 1989 Alfa Romeo 164
To start off, 2008 BMW 523 is newer by 19 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 2,959 cc (6 cylinders), 1989 Alfa Romeo 164 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Alfa Romeo 164 (192 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 2008 BMW 523. (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Alfa Romeo 164 should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 523. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 523 weights approximately 125 kg more than 1989 Alfa Romeo 164.
Because 2008 BMW 523 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 2008 BMW 523. 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, 1989 Alfa Romeo 164 (245 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 523. (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1989 Alfa Romeo 164 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 523.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 523 | 1989 Alfa Romeo 164 | |
| Make | BMW | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | 523 | 164 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 2959 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 192 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 245 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.1 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 72.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.5 seconds | 7.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1365 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
