1997 BMW M3 vs. 1997 Alfa Romeo 146
To start off, both 1997 BMW M3 and 1997 Alfa Romeo 146 were released in the same year (1997). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 3,201 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 BMW M3 (240 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 137 more horse power than 1997 Alfa Romeo 146. (103 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1997 Alfa Romeo 146. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 BMW M3 weights approximately 125 kg more than 1997 Alfa Romeo 146. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1997 BMW M3 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 1997 BMW M3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 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, 1997 BMW M3 (236 Nm) has 102 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Alfa Romeo 146. (134 Nm). This means 1997 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Alfa Romeo 146.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 BMW M3 | 1997 Alfa Romeo 146 | |
| Make | BMW | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | M3 | 146 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3201 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 103 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 236 Nm | 134 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 220 km/hour | 183 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 1175 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2550 mm |
