1995 Alfa Romeo 146 vs. 1990 BMW 518
To start off, 1995 Alfa Romeo 146 is newer by 5 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 1,794 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 BMW 518 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Alfa Romeo 146 (129 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 1990 BMW 518. (113 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1995 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 135 kg more than 1995 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, 1995 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, 1990 BMW 518 (161 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 Alfa Romeo 146. (149 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1990 BMW 518 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 Alfa Romeo 146.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 Alfa Romeo 146 | 1990 BMW 518 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | 146 | 518 |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1712 cc | 1794 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 149 Nm | 161 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 201 km/hour | 194 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1360 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4260 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 80 L |
