2001 Alfa Romeo 147 vs. 2003 BMW M3
To start off, 2003 BMW M3 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Alfa Romeo 147. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Alfa Romeo 147 would be higher. At 3,168 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW M3 (342 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 194 more horse power than 2001 Alfa Romeo 147. (148 HP @ 6400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2001 Alfa Romeo 147. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW M3 weights approximately 80 kg more than 2001 Alfa Romeo 147. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 BMW M3 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 2003 BMW M3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Alfa Romeo 147, 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, 2003 BMW M3 (350 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 169 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Alfa Romeo 147. (181 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2003 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Alfa Romeo 147.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Alfa Romeo 147 | 2003 BMW M3 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | 147 | M3 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 3168 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 342 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 7900 RPM |
| Torque | 181 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 11.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1305 kg | 1385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4180 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.9 L/100km | 11.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 63 L |
