1999 Alfa Romeo 146 vs. 1988 BMW 730
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 730. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW 730 would be higher. At 2,984 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 BMW 730 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW 730 (185 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 1999 Alfa Romeo 146. (142 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW 730 should accelerate faster than 1999 Alfa Romeo 146. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 730 weights approximately 320 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 730 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 730. 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 730 (260 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 91 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Alfa Romeo 146. (169 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1988 BMW 730 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 730 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | 146 | 730 |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1747 cc | 2984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 142 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 169 Nm | 260 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.8 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.7:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 1600 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 90 L |
