2011 Mercedes-Benz A vs. 1988 Alfa Romeo 164
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz A is newer by 23 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 71 more horse power than 2011 Mercedes-Benz A. (114 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 should accelerate faster than 2011 Mercedes-Benz A. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz A weights approximately 1412 kg more than 1988 Alfa Romeo 164.
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 (259 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 104 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Mercedes-Benz A. (155 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Mercedes-Benz A. 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 has automatic transmission and 2011 Mercedes-Benz A has manual transmission. 2011 Mercedes-Benz A 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:
| 2011 Mercedes-Benz A | 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | A | 164 |
| Year Released | 2011 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1699 cc | 2959 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 155 Nm | 259 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 93.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.5 mm | 72.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2832 kg | 1420 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3840 mm | 4650 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1600 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 70 L |
