Larger diameter intake runners, a better breathing exhaust system and other improvements were part of the S models mechanical package but truly the engine was the piece de resistance. While the block, crank and fully machined combustion chambers are virtually the same as its less powerful sibling, the top-line engine's 4-valves per cylinder and quad cams are driven by a single toothed belt. The hydraulic tappets are comfortable at engine speeds over the tachometers 7,000 rpm redline. Also the 1-way valves in the cylinder beads maintain oil at the tappets even after the car has been idle for extended periods. A Bosch 1.7 Motronic engine management system incorporates a single coil per cylinder plus separate knock sensors at each head. What's more spark plug maintenance intervals are 100,000 km (60,000 miles) - but make sure that specific cars still have the proper platinum-tipped plugs.
Amazingly torque steer is kept to a minimum enhancing performance while cornering, that is unless you're on full throttle with the steering wheel pegged all the way around. That said it is capable of a rather tight 10.8 m (35.4 ft) turning circle. Braking is also quite impressive with discs at all four corners and standard ABS.
While 5-speed transmissions are worth more on the pre-owned market, and the 164 has a delightful example much more refined than the appalling linkage used in the previous RWD Milano and GTV6 cars, the ZF 4-speed automatic is also worth a look. Unlike domestic style 'freewheel' automatics - also the case in the Milano - the ZF box locks up to follow the revs of the engine, mimicking the manual transmission. Under braking it will continue to downshift all the way to 1st gear - impressive technology for this time. Speaking of technology it also incorporated 3 shift modes including 'Auto' for smooth relaxed acceleration and better economy, 'Sport' for when you want to let your hair down and 'Ice' for... well that one is obvious too. Incidentally both S and Quadrifoglio models were only available with the 5-speed manual.