1999 Alfa Romeo 146 vs. 1999 BMW 540
To start off, both 1999 Alfa Romeo 146 and 1999 BMW 540 were released in the same year (1999). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 4,398 cc (8 cylinders), 1999 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 BMW 540 (282 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 164 more horse power than 1999 Alfa Romeo 146. (118 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 1999 Alfa Romeo 146. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 BMW 540 weights approximately 581 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 1999 BMW 540 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 1999 BMW 540. 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, 1999 BMW 540 (439 Nm) has 295 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Alfa Romeo 146. (144 Nm). This means 1999 BMW 540 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 | 1999 BMW 540 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | 146 | 540 |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 4398 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 282 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 7400 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 439 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1190 kg | 1771 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2840 mm |
