1985 BMW 324 vs. 1998 Alfa Romeo 146
To start off, 1998 Alfa Romeo 146 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 BMW 324. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 BMW 324 would be higher. At 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 1985 BMW 324 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Alfa Romeo 146 (129 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1985 BMW 324. (85 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Alfa Romeo 146 should accelerate faster than 1985 BMW 324. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 BMW 324 weights approximately 35 kg more than 1998 Alfa Romeo 146.
Because 1985 BMW 324 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 1985 BMW 324. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 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, 1985 BMW 324 (152 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Alfa Romeo 146. (149 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1985 BMW 324 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Alfa Romeo 146.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 BMW 324 | 1998 Alfa Romeo 146 | |
| Make | BMW | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | 324 | 146 |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 1712 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 152 Nm | 149 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 22.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 161 km/hour | 201 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 | 1260 kg | 1225 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 50 L |
