Alfa Romeo 164

Which Alfa Romeo 164 version to buy

If you are choosing an Alfa Romeo 164, the catalogue splits the Sedan into 1 generation (1987-01-01 to 1992-12-31, 12 versions) and 1 generation, restyling (1993-01-01 to 1997-06-30, 18 versions in the database, 12 shown here). Every listed car is FWD except one: 3.0 MT 200 hp in 1 generation, which is AWD.

If you are choosing an Alfa Romeo 164, the catalogue splits the Sedan into 1 generation (1987-01-01 to 1992-12-31, 12 versions) and 1 generation, restyling (1993-01-01 to 1997-06-30, 18 versions in the database, 12 shown here). Every listed car is FWD except one: 3.0 MT 200 hp in 1 generation, which is AWD. For a measured 0–100 km/h time under 8 s, the numbers point to 2.0 MT 174 hp (7.2 s), 3.0 MT 188 hp (7.7 s) and 3.0 MT 200 hp AWD (7.7 s) in 1 generation, or 3.0 MT 207 hp and 3.0 MT 211 hp (both 8.0 s) in the restyling. For the only Diesel, there is one car: 2.5 MT 117 hp in 1 generation. For the only version with city / highway / combined fuel use and 4 valves per cylinder on the 2959 cm³ Gasoline V-shaped 6, buy restyling 3.0 MT 211 hp (13.5 / 7.5 / 9.4 l/100 km). Same badge names hide different engines: two 2.0 MT cars in the restyling are 144 hp Inline 4 versus 201 hp Turbo V-shaped 6.

Generations: 1 generation versus 1 generation, restyling

1 generation (1987–1992) is a Sedan with 12 versions. Front brakes are Ventilated disc; rear brakes are Disc. Ground clearance is 140 mm and the tank is 70 l on every version. Power spans 117 hp (2.5 MT Diesel) to 204 hp (2.0 MT Turbo V-shaped 6). This is the only generation with Diesel, with AWD, and with a Turbo Inline 4.

1 generation, restyling (1993–1997) is the same Sedan body type. The database counts 18 versions; this catalogue shows 12. Front and rear brakes are Disc. Clearance stays 140 mm and the tank stays 70 l. There is no Diesel and no AWD in the shown restyling list. The 2.5-litre car is now Gasoline: 2.5 MT 163 hp, V-shaped 6, 2492 cm³ — not the 2499 cm³ Diesel of 1 generation. Peak power in the shown restyling list is 211 hp on 3.0 AT 211 hp and 3.0 MT 211 hp.

What the restyling changes in the numbers, not the badge: the naturally aspirated 2.0 MT Inline 4 goes from 143 hp / 1962 cm³ (9.2 s, 210 km/h, 1380 kg) or 148 hp / 1962 cm³ (9.2 s, 215 km/h, 1200 kg) in 1 generation to 144 hp / 1995 cm³ (9.9 s, 210 km/h, 1400 kg) after restyling — 0.7 s slower than the 143 hp car, 200 kg heavier than the 148 hp car. The Turbo 2.0 MT 201 hp in the restyling is a V-shaped 6 (1996 cm³, 271 Nm at 3000 rpm, 1510 kg). In 1 generation a 2.0 MT 201 hp is an Inline 4 Turbo (1995 cm³, torque not measured, 1500 kg) and a 2.0 MT 204 hp is a V-shaped 6 Turbo (1996 cm³, 279 Nm, 4 valves per cylinder, 1500 kg). Same 2.0 MT name, three different engines.

Engine options and specs

All Gasoline versions use 95 fuel and Distributed injection (multi-point). Engine placement is Front, transverse. Suspension is Independent, spring front and rear. CO₂ and eco class are not measured on every version. Wheel size is not measured on every version.

Power per litre (hp ÷ displacement in litres): restyling 2.0 MT 201 hp is 201 / 1.996 ≈ 100.7 hp/l; 1 generation 2.0 MT 204 hp is 204 / 1.996 ≈ 102.2 hp/l; 1 generation 2.0 MT 174 hp is 174 / 1.995 ≈ 87.2 hp/l; restyling 3.0 MT 211 hp is 211 / 2.959 ≈ 71.3 hp/l; 1 generation 3.0 MT 200 hp is 200 / 2.959 ≈ 67.6 hp/l; 2.5 MT 117 hp Diesel is 117 / 2.499 ≈ 46.8 hp/l. The 2.0 Turbo cars extract more horsepower per litre than any 3.0 in this list.

Valves per cylinder: 4 on 1 generation 2.0 MT 204 hp, 3.0 MT 200 hp, and restyling 3.0 AT 211 hp and 3.0 MT 211 hp. Not measured on restyling 3.0 MT 205 hp and 3.0 MT 209 hp (both 92 × 72.6 mm bore × stroke, versus 93 × 72.6 mm on most 2959 cm³ cars). Compression is 8 on every Turbo Gasoline, 22 on the Diesel, 10 or 10.1 on the small Inline 4s, and 9.5 or 10 on the 3.0 cars.

Performance, horsepower and mpg

Measured 0–100 km/h, fastest first:

• 2.0 MT 174 hp (1 generation): 7.2 s, 225 km/h
• 3.0 MT 188 hp (1 generation): 7.7 s, 230 km/h
• 3.0 MT 200 hp AWD (1 generation): 7.7 s, 237 km/h
• 3.0 MT 207 hp (restyling): 8.0 s, 240 km/h
• 3.0 MT 211 hp (restyling): 8.0 s, 240 km/h
• 3.0 MT 180 hp (restyling) and 3.0 MT 184 hp (1 generation): both 8.1 s, 230 km/h
• 2.0 MT 201 hp (both generations), 2.0 MT 204 hp: 8.2 s, 237 km/h
• 3.0 AT 192 hp: 8.8 s, 225 km/h
• 3.0 AT 184 hp: 9.0 s, 217 km/h; restyling 3.0 AT 207 hp: 9.0 s, 235 km/h
• 2.0 MT 143 hp and 148 hp: 9.2 s; 210 and 215 km/h
• restyling 3.0 AT 180 hp: 9.5 s, 225 km/h
• restyling 2.0 MT 144 hp: 9.9 s, 210 km/h
• 2.5 MT 117 hp Diesel: 11.1 s, 200 km/h

Not measured for 0–100 and top speed: restyling 2.5 MT 163 hp, 3.0 MT 197 hp, 3.0 MT 205 hp, 3.0 MT 209 hp, 3.0 AT 211 hp. Torque is not measured on 1 generation 2.0 MT 201 hp; peak-power rpm is not measured on that same car.

Manual versus Automatic on the same 180 hp restyling 3.0: 3.0 MT 180 hp is 1.4 s quicker to 100 km/h than 3.0 AT 180 hp (8.1 vs 9.5) and 5 km/h faster (230 vs 225). On 207 hp: 3.0 MT 207 hp is 1.0 s quicker than 3.0 AT 207 hp (8.0 vs 9.0) and 5 km/h faster (240 vs 235). On 1 generation 184 hp: 3.0 MT 184 hp is 0.9 s quicker than 3.0 AT 184 hp (8.1 vs 9.0) and 13 km/h faster (230 vs 217). The Automatic costs you acceleration and top speed in every paired comparison we can measure.

Fuel use (l/100 km) is measured on only five versions:

• 2.0 MT 143 hp: 10.0 city / 6.5 highway / 8.5 combined
• 2.0 MT 204 hp: 11.9 / 7.1 / 9.2
• 3.0 MT 184 hp: 12.9 / 6.8 / 8.9
• 3.0 MT 200 hp AWD: 11.7 / 7.1 / 9.2
• restyling 3.0 MT 211 hp: 13.5 / 7.5 / 9.4

The 143 hp Inline 4 is the lowest measured combined figure (8.5). The AWD 3.0 MT 200 hp matches the Turbo V-shaped 2.0 MT 204 hp on combined (9.2) and uses 1.2 l/100 km less in the city than the FWD 3.0 MT 184 hp (11.7 vs 12.9). Restyling 3.0 MT 211 hp is the thirstiest measured car. For every other version, city, highway and combined mpg are not measured.

Weight, dimensions and payload

Ground clearance is 140 mm and tank volume is 70 l on all versions. Wheel size is not measured.

Kerb weight, lightest to heaviest among measured cars:

• 2.0 MT 148 hp: 1200 kg (gross not measured)
• 2.0 MT 174 hp: 1250 kg (gross not measured)
• 3.0 MT 188 hp: 1300 kg / 1725 kg gross
• 2.5 MT 117 hp: 1320 kg (gross not measured)
• 3.0 MT 192 hp: 1365 kg (gross not measured)
• restyling 2.5 MT 163 hp: 1362 kg / 1785 kg
• 2.0 MT 143 hp: 1380 kg / 1625 kg (smallest gross among measured)
• restyling 3.0 MT 180 hp: 1385 kg / 1805 kg
• restyling 2.0 MT 144 hp: 1400 kg / 1950 kg
• 3.0 AT 184 hp: 1420 kg (gross not measured)
• 3.0 MT 200 hp: 1430 kg / 1855 kg
• restyling 3.0 MT 207 hp: 1434 kg / 1870 kg
• restyling 3.0 AT 180 hp: 1435 kg / 1805 kg
• 3.0 MT 184 hp: 1470 kg / 1875 kg
• restyling 3.0 AT 207 hp: 1494 kg / 1925 kg
• 2.0 MT 201 hp and 204 hp (1 generation): 1500 kg / 1925 kg
• restyling 2.0 MT 201 hp, 3.0 MT 197 hp, 3.0 MT 205 hp, 3.0 MT 209 hp: 1510 kg
• restyling 3.0 MT 211 hp: 1530 kg / 2075 kg (heaviest kerb and heaviest measured gross)

Kerb not measured: restyling 3.0 AT 211 hp (gross 2075 kg) and 1 generation 3.0 AT 192 hp (gross 1875 kg). Gross not measured also on 2.0 MT 148 hp, 2.0 MT 174 hp, 2.5 MT 117 hp, 3.0 AT 184 hp, 3.0 MT 192 hp.

Kg per hp (kerb ÷ hp), where both exist: 3.0 MT 188 hp is 1300 / 188 ≈ 6.91 kg/hp; 2.0 MT 174 hp is 1250 / 174 ≈ 7.18; 3.0 MT 200 hp is 1430 / 200 ≈ 7.15; restyling 3.0 MT 207 hp is 1434 / 207 ≈ 6.93; restyling 3.0 MT 211 hp is 1530 / 211 ≈ 7.25; restyling 2.0 MT 144 hp is 1400 / 144 ≈ 9.72; 2.5 MT 117 hp is 1320 / 117 ≈ 11.28. The Diesel carries the most mass per horsepower. The 188 hp 3.0 and restyling 207 hp 3.0 Manual are the leanest.

Payload (gross − kerb) where both exist: 2.0 MT 143 hp has 1625 − 1380 = 245 kg; restyling 2.0 MT 144 hp has 1950 − 1400 = 550 kg; restyling 3.0 MT 211 hp has 2075 − 1530 = 545 kg; 3.0 MT 200 hp has 1855 − 1430 = 425 kg; restyling 2.5 MT 163 hp has 1785 − 1362 = 423 kg. The restyling 2.0 four-cylinder has more than twice the measured payload of the 143 hp 1 generation 2.0.

Which version to choose

If you want the shortest measured 0–100: 2.0 MT 174 hp in 1 generation (7.2 s). It is 50 kg heavier than the 1200 kg 2.0 MT 148 hp and 31 hp stronger (174 − 143 = 31 vs the 143 hp car). Torque 265 Nm arrives at 2500 rpm — the same rpm as the Diesel’s 258 Nm. Top speed 225 km/h is 12 km/h below the 237 km/h Turbo 2.0s. Fuel use is not measured.

If you want AWD and a Turbo 6: only 3.0 MT 200 hp in 1 generation. 7.7 s, 237 km/h, 1430 kg, 4 valves per cylinder, 11.7 / 7.1 / 9.2 l/100 km. Versus FWD 3.0 MT 188 hp (also 7.7 s): you gain 12 hp, 24 Nm, 7 km/h, AWD and Turbo, and you add 130 kg (1430 − 1300). Combined fuel on the AWD is 9.2 versus not measured on the 188 hp car.

If you want the restyling 3.0 with measured economy and 4 valves: 3.0 MT 211 hp. It matches 3.0 MT 207 hp at 8.0 s and 240 km/h but is 96 kg heavier (1530 vs 1434) and is the only restyling 3.0 with 13.5 / 7.5 / 9.4 l/100 km. 3.0 AT 211 hp has the same 211 hp, 266 Nm, 4 valves and 2075 kg gross, but 0–100, top speed and kerb weight are not measured — you cannot compare its sprint to the Manual on this sheet.

If you want a 3.0 Automatic: 1 generation 3.0 AT 192 hp is the quicker Automatic with a measured sprint (8.8 s, 225 km/h); kerb is not measured. Restyling 3.0 AT 207 hp is 15 hp stronger and 10 km/h faster (9.0 s, 235 km/h) at 1494 kg. Restyling 3.0 AT 180 hp is the slowest Automatic with a figure (9.5 s, 225 km/h). 3.0 AT 184 hp in 1 generation is 9.0 s and 217 km/h — the lowest measured top speed among 3.0 Automatics.

If you want the lightest Gasoline 4: 2.0 MT 148 hp, 1200 kg, 9.2 s, 215 km/h. Versus restyling 2.0 MT 144 hp: 4 hp more, 0.7 s quicker, 5 km/h faster, 200 kg lighter; restyling gains 33 cm³ (1995 vs 1962) and 550 kg payload versus not measured gross on the 148 hp car. Front brakes on the 148 hp car are Ventilated disc; on the 144 hp restyling they are Disc.

If you want Diesel: only 2.5 MT 117 hp, 1 generation. Slowest measured sprint (11.1 s), lowest top speed (200 km/h), highest compression (22), 258 Nm at 2500 rpm, 1320 kg. Do not confuse it with restyling 2.5 MT 163 hp, which is Gasoline, V-shaped 6, 2492 cm³, 216 Nm at 4500 rpm, 1362 kg — 0–100 and top speed not measured.

If you want a Turbo 2.0 V-shaped 6: 1 generation 2.0 MT 204 hp (4 valves, 279 Nm, 11.9 / 7.1 / 9.2, 1500 kg) versus restyling 2.0 MT 201 hp (2 valves, 271 Nm, fuel not measured, 1510 kg). Both 8.2 s and 237 km/h. The 1 generation car has 3 hp, 8 Nm and Ventilated disc fronts; the restyling car is 10 kg heavier. 1 generation 2.0 MT 201 hp is a different engine: Inline 4 Turbo, torque and rpm not measured, 1500 kg, same 8.2 s / 237 km/h.

If you want a naturally aspirated 3.0 Manual without chasing the last horsepower: restyling 3.0 MT 180 hp (8.1 s, 230 km/h, 1385 kg) matches 1 generation 3.0 MT 184 hp on the sprint and top speed while weighing 85 kg less (1385 vs 1470). You give up 4 hp and 30 Nm (225 vs 255) and you lose the only 3.0 Manual fuel figures in 1 generation (12.9 / 6.8 / 8.9). Restyling 3.0 MT 197 hp, 205 hp and 209 hp sit at 1510 kg with 0–100 and top speed not measured — you cannot rank their pace against the 180 hp or 207 hp Manuals from this catalogue.

Reliability / problems in the data: this sheet does not measure reliability, rust, or parts. What it does measure is that 1 generation uses Ventilated disc fronts and the restyling list uses Disc fronts; that only one car is AWD; that fuel figures exist for five versions only; and that several high-output restyling 3.0 Manuals (3.0 MT 197 / 205 / 209 hp) have acceleration not measured. Choose a version whose 0–100, weight and mpg are actually filled in if you need those numbers to decide.