1996 Honda Ballade vs. 2001 Alfa Romeo 146
To start off, 2001 Alfa Romeo 146 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Honda Ballade. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Honda Ballade would be higher. At 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Alfa Romeo 146 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Alfa Romeo 146 (118 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1996 Honda Ballade. (89 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Alfa Romeo 146 should accelerate faster than 1996 Honda Ballade. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Alfa Romeo 146 weights approximately 100 kg more than 1996 Honda Ballade. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 (145 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda Ballade. (131 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2001 Alfa Romeo 146 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Honda Ballade.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda Ballade | 2001 Alfa Romeo 146 | |
| Make | Honda | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | Ballade | 146 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1491 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 131 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.5 mm | 75.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1090 kg | 1190 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2600 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 51 L |
