1981 BMW 520 vs. 1997 Alfa Romeo 146
To start off, 1997 Alfa Romeo 146 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 BMW 520 would be higher. At 1,991 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Alfa Romeo 146 (150 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1981 BMW 520. (123 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Alfa Romeo 146 should accelerate faster than 1981 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Alfa Romeo 146 weights approximately 5 kg more than 1981 BMW 520. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 BMW 520 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1981 BMW 520. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Alfa Romeo 146, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1997 Alfa Romeo 146 (187 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 520. (170 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1997 Alfa Romeo 146 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 520 | 1997 Alfa Romeo 146 | |
| Make | BMW | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | 520 | 146 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 1970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 187 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 91 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 209 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1220 kg | 1225 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 50 L |
