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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Alfa Romeo 146 (148 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1996 Mercedes-Benz E. (134 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Alfa Romeo 146 should accelerate faster than 1996 Mercedes-Benz E. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 345 kg more than 1999 Alfa Romeo 146.
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 (190 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Alfa Romeo 146. (187 Nm @ 2800 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.
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 | 1970 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 187 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 78.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1215 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 70 L |
