[euroshark]

Hey everyone. I recently (say, 3 days ago) purchased my second Alfa Romeo, a 1991 164L 5 speed, Black on Black, and I have been very surprised so far!

My first Alfa was a black '87 Milano. Over the course of my ownership it got Koni shocks, AR Ricambi rear springs (or so I was told, they did their job so I was happy), 15x7 Panasports, and eventually a full Verde body kit and 3.0 engine transplant. It was a very fun car to drive, but there were many things that bothered me about it, the most noticeable being the iffy build quality. It was sold, and I started a BMW binge...

Four BMWs (and one Audi - wretched pile of crap) later, and I am back in an Alfa. I loved each of my BMWs very much, but there is something that the Alfa has that the BMWs don't... It's so rich and lively, even during routine driving, whereas the BMWs seem to be down to business all the time. It's definitely a unique experience, and something I was honestly surprised to notice in the 164 after coming from a Milano since I had heard that the 164 was far less "Alfa" than the RWD cars.

It's quiet, comfy, rides nice but not too soft, and it moves very well for such a big car. Like I said, I have been very surprised in every possible way. It's FWD, a layout that I have shunned since my first car (1984 Saab 900) and stayed as far as possible from since then, but it's so good you can barely tell!! An added bonus is that wailing V6 that I had missed but apparently forgotten... I am so glad to be back in an Alfa that I just had to share it with everyone else. Go out and give your 164 a kiss if you haven't today, you could be driving a boring old Audi... Or worse!

 

[Tetteh]

lol!! Welcome back to the world of alfa!! I just went to the garage and gave mine a hug! lol!

 

[AlfaTango1]

I drove my GTV6 about 150 miles total today and while it was a lot of fun it's more work than when I'm in my 164's. You can feel the difference in build quality and maturity. I drove my S over 850 miles from San Diego to Phoenix and back a few weeks ago and the temps outside were 110 plus and it performed flawlessly. I'm not saying the GTV6 wouldn't but it's AC system is nowhere near as nice. I'm glad you're happy with your car and we look forward to hearing more!

 

[peglegtom]

Welcome back

I also recently purchased a 164 (a 1995 Nero/tan Q) to keep me in the spirit while I work on the Duettos. I'm also suprised at how much I love this car. I also have a 1997 Ford Taurus SHO (a similar, but slightly larger FWD performance sedan with a V8, but with an auto). On paper, they appear very similar, but in driving, they are very different. I think that the Alfa is faster and handles better (despite the smaller, all weather tires versus summer only tires on the SHO). But the feel and sounds are so much better in the Alfa than the Ford. The SHO, however, is a much better freeway cruiser, because of the 3K RPM at 70 MPH with the Alfa, versus about 2K with the SHO.

I will miss driving the Alfa during the winter, when I will store it in the garage and drive the SHO exclusively.

 

[jontg428]

I have owned my 164 for about 5 years now, and still love it as much as the first day I drove it. It had one bout of terrible FI problems, part of which was miss diagnosis by me and the local shop, but I got it running in the end. Overall its a joy to drive, and I love the power and crisp handling, still crisp even after 198,000 miles. I plan on getting a video recorder to capture her going over the 200,000 mile mark! My other driver is a Peugeot 405 MI 16, and I love that car too, just wish it had the power of the alfa! I am glad you love your 164, they are truly one of the most underrated cars of all time.

 

[164 FAMILY]

Yes it is good to love your 164 I kiss my Q4 at least once a day. Not all Audi's are bad I recently had a 98 A8 Quartto and that car was unbelievable!

 

[Alfisto Steve]

What have I been saying for years? I have been driving mine for 16 plus years since new and have had couple GTV6, a Milano and a Spica Spider along the way and they are all sold but my 164 keeps on putting a smile on my face.

 

[apeterson]

Welcome back to the Alfa family! My 92 Alfa 164L only has 117K Kms on it (about 65K Mi) and is a pure joy to drive. I have owned Mercedes, BMWs and assorted domestic cars, and this is the best car I have ever owned. It has its quirks, and reminds me of some english cars I have owned for unexplained electrical issues, but nothing serious and overall just a great driving machine.