1990 BMW 518 vs. 2001 Alfa Romeo 146
To start off, 2001 Alfa Romeo 146 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 BMW 518. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 BMW 518 would be higher. At 1,970 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Alfa Romeo 146 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Alfa Romeo 146 (148 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1990 BMW 518. (113 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Alfa Romeo 146 should accelerate faster than 1990 BMW 518. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 BMW 518 weights approximately 145 kg more than 2001 Alfa Romeo 146.
Because 1990 BMW 518 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 1990 BMW 518. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 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, 2001 Alfa Romeo 146 (187 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW 518. (161 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2001 Alfa Romeo 146 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW 518.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 BMW 518 | 2001 Alfa Romeo 146 | |
| Make | BMW | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | 518 | 146 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 1970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 161 Nm | 187 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 91 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 194 km/hour | 216 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1360 kg | 1215 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2600 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 61 L |
