1999 Alfa Romeo 146 vs. 1989 BMW 850
To start off, 1999 Alfa Romeo 146 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 BMW 850. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 BMW 850 would be higher. At 4,988 cc (12 cylinders), 1989 BMW 850 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 BMW 850 (296 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 194 more horse power than 1999 Alfa Romeo 146. (102 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 BMW 850 should accelerate faster than 1999 Alfa Romeo 146. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Alfa Romeo 146 weights approximately 35 kg more than 1989 BMW 850.
Because 1989 BMW 850 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 1989 BMW 850. 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, 1989 BMW 850 (450 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 189 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Alfa Romeo 146. (261 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1989 BMW 850 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Alfa Romeo 146. 1989 BMW 850 has automatic transmission and 1999 Alfa Romeo 146 has manual transmission. 1999 Alfa Romeo 146 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1989 BMW 850 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Alfa Romeo 146 | 1989 BMW 850 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | 146 | 850 |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1910 cc | 4988 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 102 HP | 296 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 261 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Top Speed | 187 km/hour | 246 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.5 seconds | 7.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1290 kg | 1255 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2690 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 90 L |
