2000 Alfa Romeo 146 vs. 2008 BMW 550
To start off, 2008 BMW 550 is newer by 8 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 4,799 cc, 2008 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 550 (360 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 258 more horse power than 2000 Alfa Romeo 146. (102 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 2000 Alfa Romeo 146. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 550 weights approximately 500 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 2008 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 2008 BMW 550. 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, 2008 BMW 550 (490 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 365 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Alfa Romeo 146. (125 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Alfa Romeo 146. 2008 BMW 550 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. 2008 BMW 550 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Alfa Romeo 146 | 2008 BMW 550 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | 146 | 550 |
| Year Released | 2000 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1370 cc | 4799 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 102 HP | 360 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 490 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.1 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 64.9 mm | 88.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 1660 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 70 L |
