1999 Alfa Romeo 146 vs. 2011 BMW 550
To start off, 2011 BMW 550 is newer by 12 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 4,400 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 550 (400 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 258 more horse power than 1999 Alfa Romeo 146. (142 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 1999 Alfa Romeo 146. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 550 weights approximately 690 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 2011 BMW 550 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 2011 BMW 550. 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, 2011 BMW 550 (609 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 440 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Alfa Romeo 146. (169 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 550 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 | 2011 BMW 550 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | 146 | 550 |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1747 cc | 4400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 142 HP | 400 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 169 Nm | 609 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 1970 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4905 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1859 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1463 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2969 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 6.8 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 8.6 L/100km | 15.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 70 L |
