2011 BMW 120 vs. 1989 Alfa Romeo 164
To start off, 2011 BMW 120 is newer by 22 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 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Alfa Romeo 164 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 120 (168 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1989 Alfa Romeo 164. (123 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 1989 Alfa Romeo 164. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Alfa Romeo 164 weights approximately 75 kg more than 2011 BMW 120.
Because 2011 BMW 120 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 2011 BMW 120. 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 (294 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 84 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 BMW 120. (210 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1989 Alfa Romeo 164 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 BMW 120.
Compare all specifications:
| 2011 BMW 120 | 1989 Alfa Romeo 164 | |
| Make | BMW | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | 120 | 164 |
| Year Released | 2011 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 294 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 22.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 220 km/hour | 202 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.7 seconds | 10.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1415 kg | 1490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1420 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.6 L/100km | 5.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 70 L |
