1999 Alfa Romeo 146 vs. 1988 BMW 525
To start off, 1999 Alfa Romeo 146 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW 525. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW 525 would be higher. At 2,443 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW 525 (168 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1999 Alfa Romeo 146. (153 HP @ 6400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 1999 Alfa Romeo 146. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 525 weights approximately 185 kg more than 1999 Alfa Romeo 146. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 BMW 525 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 1988 BMW 525. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 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, 1988 BMW 525 (226 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 39 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Alfa Romeo 146. (187 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1988 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Alfa Romeo 146.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Alfa Romeo 146 | 1988 BMW 525 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | 146 | 525 |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1910 cc | 2443 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 187 Nm | 226 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.1 mm | 82.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91.1 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1275 kg | 1460 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 70 L |
