1999 Alfa Romeo 146 vs. 2007 BMW M3
To start off, 2007 BMW M3 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Alfa Romeo 146. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Alfa Romeo 146 would be higher. At 3,245 cc (6 cylinders), 2007 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 BMW M3 (338 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 190 more horse power than 1999 Alfa Romeo 146. (148 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1999 Alfa Romeo 146. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 BMW M3 weights approximately 440 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 2007 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 2007 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, 2007 BMW M3 (365 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 178 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Alfa Romeo 146. (187 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2007 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 | 2007 BMW M3 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | 146 | M3 |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 3245 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 338 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 7900 RPM |
| Torque | 187 Nm | 365 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 91 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 11.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 216 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1215 kg | 1655 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2740 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 6.8 L/100km | 10.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 13.8 L/100km | 12.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 63 L |
