2001 Alfa Romeo 146 vs. 2004 BMW 318
To start off, 2004 BMW 318 is newer by 3 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), 2004 BMW 318 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 BMW 318 (141 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 2001 Alfa Romeo 146. (102 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 2001 Alfa Romeo 146. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 318 weights approximately 420 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 2004 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 2004 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, 2004 BMW 318 (200 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 76 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Alfa Romeo 146. (124 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 2004 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 | 2004 BMW 318 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | 146 | 318 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2004 |
| 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 | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 1580 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 63 L |
