1988 BMW 520 vs. 1997 Alfa Romeo 146
To start off, 1997 Alfa Romeo 146 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW 520 would be higher. At 1,989 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW 520 (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 1997 Alfa Romeo 146. (90 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1997 Alfa Romeo 146. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 520 weights approximately 395 kg more than 1997 Alfa Romeo 146. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 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 1988 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, 1988 BMW 520 (174 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 59 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Alfa Romeo 146. (115 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1988 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Alfa Romeo 146. 1988 BMW 520 has automatic transmission and 1997 Alfa Romeo 146 has manual transmission. 1997 Alfa Romeo 146 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1988 BMW 520 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 520 | 1997 Alfa Romeo 146 | |
| Make | BMW | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | 520 | 146 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 1351 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 115 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 67.2 mm |
| Top Speed | 202 km/hour | 179 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 12.5 seconds | 12.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1175 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 50 L |
