1999 Alfa Romeo 146 vs. 1996 BMW 545
To start off, 1999 Alfa Romeo 146 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 545. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 545 would be higher. At 4,398 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 545 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 545 (282 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 180 more horse power than 1999 Alfa Romeo 146. (102 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 545 should accelerate faster than 1999 Alfa Romeo 146. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 545 weights approximately 360 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 1996 BMW 545 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 1996 BMW 545. 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, 1996 BMW 545 (440 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 179 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Alfa Romeo 146. (261 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 545 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 | 1996 BMW 545 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | 146 | 545 |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1910 cc | 4398 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 102 HP | 282 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 261 Nm | 440 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 92.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1290 kg | 1650 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 63 L |
