1999 Alfa Romeo 146 vs. 1992 BMW M3
To start off, 1999 Alfa Romeo 146 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1992 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1992 BMW M3 would be higher. At 2,990 cc (6 cylinders), 1992 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1992 BMW M3 (282 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 134 more horse power than 1999 Alfa Romeo 146. (148 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1992 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1999 Alfa Romeo 146. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1992 BMW M3 weights approximately 250 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 1992 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 1992 BMW M3. 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, 1992 BMW M3 (320 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 133 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Alfa Romeo 146. (187 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1992 BMW M3 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 | 1992 BMW M3 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | 146 | M3 |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1992 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 2990 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 282 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 187 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 85.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1215 kg | 1465 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 65 L |
