164 specs

[Fettaguy]

Hey guy's,

Just wondering if anyone can give me a rundown on the differences between the 164 models that were released here in Australia. So far I've got that there was a 12v and 24v 3.0l engine but am unsure of what year these came out. Opinions on what is the more desirable model, pros and cons between the different models etc.....

Thanks

Mark.

[stustustu123]

There were no 24v 164s imported into Australia by the distributor, but there have been a few grey imports - most of which seem to have been done by Brian Foley quite a few years ago.  I've seen one 164 twin spark come up for sale too.

The first 164s that came into Australia were 1988 build (1989 complianced) cars - all were autos with the 12v 3.0 V6.  Some of these very early cars had their VINs modified in a very crude fashion too which I believe was something to do with ADR rule changes regarding child restraint anchor points.  Not 100% sure on this but I've seen a few like this (one letter in the VIN has been changed) and that was the answer I got from Ateco (who didn't really know anyway).  The Alfa ePer lists BOTH versions of the VIN with exactly the same details (incl engine number)!!

I think from 1990 onwards there was a slight change in the front end where they lowered the subframe to reduce torque steer.  The cabin switchgear also changed design to improve reliability (I believe they started using Bosch switches).

The 12v cloverleaf model (manual with warmer cams, body kit, quicker throttle response and adj. suspension) arrived for 1991 and 1992 which I think was the last year Alfas were imported by the then distributor.

All up a great car!!!

I reckon the base models are amazingly comfy long distance cruisers & the seats in my '89 car are more welcoming than the firmer ones in the '92 Q.  The Q is a lot of fun to drive too but it take a bit more work & sometimes I find it nice to not feel compelled to break the speed limit *continually*.  Would love to have a drive of a 24v model one day.

As for the later years (1993+) I believe Alfa produced the 164 right up to 1997 including the cloverleaf version and also the Q4 which had what sounds like a hideously complex AWD system.

[John Hanslow]

If you have a look at Car Sales, there are a few 164's for sale.  Have a look and compare for yourself.

Firstly there is a 1989 model, a lot were silver and that is the 'uxury pack' with leather and driving lights.  Very much standard then.

Secondly there are 2 x Q's to compare.  body kit, manual, more powerful engine and the signature 'sausage slicer' wheels.

Finally there is a 1992 model.  Note velour seats and no driving lights.  That's ok, it is just different.

In buying any car like this, consult an Alfa Specialist.  Have a look to see which ones have been serviced, repaired, etc in comparison to the asking price.

Cheers.

[L4OMEO]

Hi Mark

Good summaries from the other guys there.

Coming from NZ they sold all models there, so I've owned a V6 manual & driven V6 autos, Twin Sparks, 12V QVs and a 24V QV. Of the 2 QV's, I actually preferred the 12V. It was lowered-geared than the standard manual, & coupled with the engine mods it was a far more responsive car with grunt on tap anywhere. I think the 0-160km/h was 18 seconds dead, nearly 4 seconds quicker than the standard V6.

The 24V was a very different beast. I drove the press car when it was released and found it to be a very old-school multi-valve experience – big hole in the power delivery in the low to mid range, followed by an explosive top-end. The noise was sensational but it utterly dominated the whole car. It was something of a raucous hotrod, which was great if that's what you wanted but at around NZD100k it was a pretty compromised sort of vehicle.

There was a model sold as the Super from about 1995 which had a detuned version of the 24V engine (210bhp rather than 230bhp, from memory). Never drove this but a friend said his had 95%+ of the QVs performance with 100% better comfort and refinement. Fast Lane magazine tested one in the UK and came to the same conclusion.

As stustustu123 says, the 12V QV is a great car - find yourself a good one and be happy! I nearly bought one shortly before leaving NZ, but over there a good example with maybe 140,000km can be had for less than 5k ...

Cheers
Rory

[Joe Garra]

Have to agree about the Q, had mine since 92 and wouldn't part with it (it even survived a divorce 10 years ago)

[L4OMEO]

it even survived a divorce 10 years ago

My beautifully Mercedes 190E 2.5-16 didn't 

[Fettaguy]

Thanks heaps for the rundown guy's, I had the chance to have a look at a few on Tuesday and have made an offer on 1.  If things go to plan I'll be able to post a few pictures on the weekend.

Mark.