1993 BMW 518 vs. 2001 Alfa Romeo 146
To start off, 2001 Alfa Romeo 146 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1993 BMW 518. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1993 BMW 518 would be higher. At 1,766 cc (4 cylinders), 1993 BMW 518 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Alfa Romeo 146 (142 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1993 BMW 518. (113 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Alfa Romeo 146 should accelerate faster than 1993 BMW 518. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Alfa Romeo 146 weights approximately 120 kg more than 1993 BMW 518. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1993 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 1993 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 (169 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 1993 BMW 518. (165 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2001 Alfa Romeo 146 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1993 BMW 518.
Compare all specifications:
| 1993 BMW 518 | 2001 Alfa Romeo 146 | |
| Make | BMW | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | 518 | 146 |
| Year Released | 1993 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1766 cc | 1747 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 142 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 169 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 82.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 10.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 1280 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 |
