2009 BMW 525 vs. 1989 Alfa Romeo 164
To start off, 2009 BMW 525 is newer by 20 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, 2009 BMW 525 (215 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1989 Alfa Romeo 164. (192 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 1989 Alfa Romeo 164. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 525 weights approximately 160 kg more than 1989 Alfa Romeo 164. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 BMW 525 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 2009 BMW 525. 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, 2009 BMW 525 (251 Nm @ 2900 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Alfa Romeo 164. (245 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Alfa Romeo 164.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 525 | 1989 Alfa Romeo 164 | |
| Make | BMW | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | 525 | 164 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| 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 | 215 HP | 192 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 245 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2900 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 72.6 mm |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.5 seconds | 7.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 1365 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4650 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1470 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
