1999 Alfa Romeo 146 vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz E
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 Mercedes-Benz E. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mercedes-Benz E would be higher. At 4,973 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz E (343 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 225 more horse power than 1999 Alfa Romeo 146. (118 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1999 Alfa Romeo 146. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 486 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 Mercedes-Benz E 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 Mercedes-Benz E. 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 Mercedes-Benz E (480 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 335 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Alfa Romeo 146. (145 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Alfa Romeo 146. 1996 Mercedes-Benz E 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. 1996 Mercedes-Benz E will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Alfa Romeo 146 | 1996 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 146 | E |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 4973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 343 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 480 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.1 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.7 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1190 kg | 1676 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 6.6 L/100km | 10.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 8.3 L/100km | 16.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.9 L/100km | 9.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 80 L |
