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"This car is rated as an awful looking/designed/engineered car in Europe.
I did the advertising launch of the car in Belgium and already then no one was impressed by this very plain automobile."
Excuse me, I read the post and wanted to give a little opinion on the initial question/statement. I am not sure who rated this car awful looking/designed/engineered. I believe that you spoke for Belgium perhaps, then again, I do not recall the 164 being the laughingstock of the automobile industry. (this is the way it sounded to me).
In Italy as well as in England, France, Germany, Spain, Switzerland, Austria, etc., the 164 was viewed as a great car. But perhaps we should get some facts straight. In the us most 164s showed up exclusively with a V6 3.0 engine, an engine that in no way, could have been affordable by most European drivers. In fact, with the price of Gasoline and latter costs (Tax on KW and HPs), the 3.0 was a pure Tabu in Europe, at least for those of medium income. The 164 also came with smaller 4 cilinder gas, diesel engines, some of those not particularly appealing to people who drove a 3.0 V6. In fact, many models were rather plain and came with basic cloth interior. However, if the car was poorly built, could you explain why the Fiat Croma and the Lancia Tema utilized the same subframe chassis alongside with the 164 and of course, the Saab 9000? I must point out that the Tema and the Croma were structurally sound enough to sport a Ferrari engine on two rare models, the Croma Ferrari, and the Tema Ferrari.
Next, you said it was a poor design, to whose opinion? Last I checked it appears as the Alfa 164 is "Carrozzata Farina". Maybe as we all know, Pininfarina's designs are practically those never to go out of style, and to truly look still in style many years away from conception. In fact, many of my friends always believed my former 164S to be a 2000-2002 model car. Poorly equipped, I think not. The 1991 S had Recaro Interior, Leather and not plastic, almost completely for the S and almost so for the L LS models. The S also was equipped with electronic sport suspension and a Climatization system. Also, you always got electric heated mirrors, seats, headlight washers, electric moon roof and alloy wheels, anti lock brakes and driver's side airbag.
This automobile is equipped with everything a person would desire, and surely enough is the most reliable and comfortable Alfa that was ever made available in the US. For an Alfista, this car is the best means of living/driving a legend everyday.
Now, Look at the attached list:
1991 Mazda RX7, 1974 Fiat 124 Spider 1.8, 1980 Fiat 124 Spider 2000, 1986 Dodge Daytona Turbo, 1994 Chevrolet Cavalier Z24, 1986 Chevrolet G20 Van V8 350, 1991 Volkswagen Golf GTI 16V, 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse Turbo, 1993 Nissan 240 Sx, 1989 Toyota Corolla FX16 GTS, 1989 Alfa Romeo 75 (Milano) 2.5 heavily modded "still own", 1997 Saturn twin cam Coupe, 1993 Saturn SL1 commuter, 1994 Suzuki Swift GTI, 2001 Kia Sportage, 2001 Ford Focus ZX3, 2001 Volkswagen Golf TDI, 1991 BMW M3, 2003 Volkswagen Cabrio 2.0, 1987 Nissan Sentra coupe, 1989 Honda Accord, 1995 Cadillac Seville, 1991 Geo Prizm LSi 16V (pretty much a corolla), 1997 Volvo 850 Turbo, 1993 Acura Integra GSR, 1991 Alfa Romeo 164S, 1986 Toyota Corolla Supercharged "still own", 2005 Cadillac CTS 3.6 V6, 2003 Nissan Frontier Crewcab, 2008 Chrysler Pacifica.
Now, aside from the the trucks (including suv, minivam=n, van) and the two or three occasional crapy cars I owned, I believe to have had a good share of decent automobiles. I have to say that lots of those cars were fun to drive, do not be deceived, I have driven my good share of cars in Italy when I go on vacation to visit the family. Amongst those a few Citroens, a Peugeot 205 Rally,a Delta Integrale, my father's Tigra and also yes, a Diablo VT once. I can gladly say that with exception of the friend's VT, the 164 has offered me a unique pleasing and fully satisfactory driving experience. I drove this car through the mountains of West Virginia, from Western Pennsylvania all the way down to the North Carolina coast (on occasion I had to tow due to an inevitable overheating problem, but thanks to Alfisto Steve I got her back on the road soon after). I still would like to go for a drive through Moshannon State Forest with my old S following the member who said the Peugeot 16V can leave the 164 in the dust around corners, It would be an interesting experience. I totally anniliated a guy with a 2006 Jetta VR6 GLI who could not do more but to move over and let me by after an exciting 15 minute winding drive. He stopped at the park's recreation area, and came with a bunch of questions about my mysterious looking ride. I believe he sold his Jetta that night and went on a desperate search for a 164. Although decisively slower on takeoff than most new cars, I have to say that nothing is more pleasing that the feeling of pure metal, motor and machinery that you can enjoy with this ride. The car is also extremely quiet due to the excellent multiple layers of insulation and weatherstripping, so I don't quite comprehend where the comment on the car being cheaply made came from.
Finally, I like this car soo much that I sold my CTS and I am getting ready to re-purchase my old 164S from a fellow Alfista who had bought it for his son. I will never want to drive another car again, neither I will let my wife convince me to part from her again. Ultimately, call me crazy, maybe is because I nearly left two fingers in the engine compartment of my car, but I believe that every one of the guys in this forum knows exactly what I am talking about, the way I feel and the experience the car offers, much more than a ride or a fast ride, but rather I would say the pure raw driving experience that not every man appreciates. In conclusion, a unique enjoyment, only one that the 164 can provide.
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