1998 BMW 318 vs. 2001 Alfa Romeo 146
To start off, 2001 Alfa Romeo 146 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 BMW 318 would be higher. At 1,895 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 BMW 318 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Alfa Romeo 146 (142 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1998 BMW 318. (116 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Alfa Romeo 146 should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 318 weights approximately 180 kg more than 2001 Alfa Romeo 146.
Because 1998 BMW 318 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 1998 BMW 318. 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, 1998 BMW 318 (180 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Alfa Romeo 146. (169 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1998 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Alfa Romeo 146. 1998 BMW 318 has automatic transmission and 2001 Alfa Romeo 146 has manual transmission. 2001 Alfa Romeo 146 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 BMW 318 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 318 | 2001 Alfa Romeo 146 | |
| Make | BMW | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | 318 | 146 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1895 cc | 1746 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 142 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 169 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.5 mm | 82.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 10.7:1 |
| Top Speed | 203 km/hour | 209 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 12.2 seconds | 9.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1395 kg | 1215 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4240 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 7.1 L/100km | 6.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.2 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.4 L/100km | 12.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 61 L |
