PERFORMANCE - WITHOUT THE PRICE (some text hidden) --NONE--

BY JONATHAN CROUCH

Introductionword count: 129

The years have taught me a thing or three about performance cars and performance saloons in particular. The first is that, though many of them go very quickly, most of them shouldn't. The second is that high-speed is very different to high-performance. And thirdly? Well of course, the most exciting performance cars are almost always made in Italy. Though responsibility isn't high on the agenda in the land of pasta and Chianti, the concept of creating the true driving experience certainly is. For proof, take a drive in Alfa Romeo's 164. Getting an executive five-seat, four-door saloon to look, sound and handle like something you'd have bought in your irresponsible bachelor days is no mean feat. Better still, these day's they're available second hand for not very much money.

Modelsword count: 40

Models Covered: First generation 164 - 1988-1992 (2.0 Twinspark Saloon [base, Lusso]/ 3.0 6cy Saloon [base, Lusso, Cloverleaf] Second generation 164 - 1992-1997 (2.0 Twinspark Saloon [base, Lusso, Super, TS, Super Lusso]/ 3.0 6cy Saloon [base,24v Super,24v Super Lusso, Cloverleaf]

Historyword count: 121

The 164 was launched in October 1988 as a roomy four-door executive saloon, initially with a 3.0-litre V6 engine and a choice of standard or Lusso trim. Automatic transmission was made available in 1989 and in 1990, an entry-level 2.0-litre Twinspark version was added. A 200bhp flagship Cloverleaf V6 version was launched in December 1990. In 1993, the second generation 164 arrived, a new look bringing slimmer headlamps, bigger bumpers (with bright inserts on V6 models) and a classier, less confusing dashboard. More importantly, a 24v version of the 3.0-litre V6 was introduced, with 200bhp in Super form or 230bhp as a Cloverleaf. The car was gradually phased out during 1997 and eventually replaced by the new 166 in late 1998.

What You Getword count: 100

An intelligent, cheap big car choice. This was the first Alfa Romeo to seriously hold its value on the used market but that was some time ago and today 164s are positioned firmly in the bargain basement. The V6 makes a glorious sound; so, surprisingly, does the four cylinder 2.0-litre Twinspark. Pininfarina's stylish body till looks good, pre or after the facelift introduced in Second generation cars. The later models' improvements were worthwhile, lifting the car into equivalent BMW and Mercedes territory. Equipment levels are extremely high. And the handling? For a front wheel drive car, it's still pretty sharp.

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