1999 Alfa Romeo 146 vs. 2013 BMW 3 Series
To start off, 2013 BMW 3 Series is newer by 14 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 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2013 BMW 3 Series is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 BMW 3 Series (238 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 134 more horse power than 1999 Alfa Romeo 146. (104 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 BMW 3 Series should accelerate faster than 1999 Alfa Romeo 146. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 BMW 3 Series weights approximately 523 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 2013 BMW 3 Series is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1999 Alfa Romeo 146. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 BMW 3 Series will offer significantly more control. 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, 2013 BMW 3 Series (407 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 282 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Alfa Romeo 146. (125 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 2013 BMW 3 Series will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Alfa Romeo 146. 2013 BMW 3 Series 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. 2013 BMW 3 Series will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Alfa Romeo 146 | 2013 BMW 3 Series | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | 146 | 3 Series |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1370 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 238 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 407 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 64.9 mm | 89 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 1683 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 4636 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 2031 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1434 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 6.3 L/100km | 6.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 7.9 L/100km | 9.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 60 L |
