1995 Alfa Romeo 146 vs. 2012 Lexus IS
To start off, 2012 Lexus IS is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1995 Alfa Romeo 146. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1995 Alfa Romeo 146 would be higher. At 5,000 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Lexus IS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Lexus IS (416 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 313 more horse power than 1995 Alfa Romeo 146. (103 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 1995 Alfa Romeo 146. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Lexus IS weights approximately 540 kg more than 1995 Alfa Romeo 146. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Lexus IS 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 2012 Lexus IS. 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, 2012 Lexus IS (502 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 368 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 Alfa Romeo 146. (134 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2012 Lexus IS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 Alfa Romeo 146. 2012 Lexus IS has automatic transmission and 1995 Alfa Romeo 146 has manual transmission. 1995 Alfa Romeo 146 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Lexus IS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 Alfa Romeo 146 | 2012 Lexus IS | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Lexus |
| Model | 146 | IS |
| Year Released | 1995 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 5000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | V |
| Horse Power | 103 HP | 416 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 134 Nm | 502 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1175 kg | 1715 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4260 mm | 4661 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1816 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1415 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2731 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 64 L |
