2000 Alfa Romeo 146 vs. 2001 BMW Z3
To start off, 2001 BMW Z3 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2000 Alfa Romeo 146. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2000 Alfa Romeo 146 would be higher. At 2,171 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 BMW Z3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 BMW Z3 (167 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 2000 Alfa Romeo 146. (102 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 BMW Z3 should accelerate faster than 2000 Alfa Romeo 146. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 BMW Z3 weights approximately 226 kg more than 2000 Alfa Romeo 146. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2001 BMW Z3 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 2001 BMW Z3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2000 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, 2001 BMW Z3 (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Alfa Romeo 146. (125 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 2001 BMW Z3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Alfa Romeo 146. 2001 BMW Z3 has automatic transmission and 2000 Alfa Romeo 146 has manual transmission. 2000 Alfa Romeo 146 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 BMW Z3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Alfa Romeo 146 | 2001 BMW Z3 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | 146 | Z3 |
| Year Released | 2000 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1370 cc | 2171 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 102 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.1 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 64.9 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 1386 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 51 L |
