1999 Alfa Romeo 146 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 13 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 4,663 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS (402 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 298 more horse power than 1999 Alfa Romeo 146. (104 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 1999 Alfa Romeo 146. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 730 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 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS 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 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS. 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS (600 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 475 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Alfa Romeo 146. (125 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Alfa Romeo 146. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS 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. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Alfa Romeo 146 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 146 | CLS |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1370 cc | 4663 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 402 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 600 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Top Speed | 187 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 11.5 seconds | 5.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 1890 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 4940 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1882 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1417 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2875 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 6.3 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 7.9 L/100km | 13.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 80 L |
