2001 Alfa Romeo 146 vs. 2002 BMW 318
To start off, 2002 BMW 318 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Alfa Romeo 146. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Alfa Romeo 146 would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 BMW 318 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 BMW 318 (113 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 2001 Alfa Romeo 146. (102 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 2001 Alfa Romeo 146. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 BMW 318 weights approximately 310 kg more than 2001 Alfa Romeo 146. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2002 BMW 318 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 2002 BMW 318. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 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, 2002 BMW 318 (281 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 157 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Alfa Romeo 146. (124 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 2002 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Alfa Romeo 146.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Alfa Romeo 146 | 2002 BMW 318 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | 146 | 318 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1370 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 102 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 281 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.1 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 64.9 mm | 90 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 63 L |
