2001 Alfa Romeo Centauri vs. 1996 BMW M3
To start off, 2001 Alfa Romeo Centauri is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW M3 would be higher. At 3,001 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW M3 (326 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 221 more horse power than 2001 Alfa Romeo Centauri. (105 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2001 Alfa Romeo Centauri. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW M3 weights approximately 173 kg more than 2001 Alfa Romeo Centauri. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1996 BMW M3 (305 Nm) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Alfa Romeo Centauri. (260 Nm). This means 1996 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Alfa Romeo Centauri.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Alfa Romeo Centauri | 1996 BMW M3 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | Centauri | M3 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2959 cc | 3001 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 105 HP | 326 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 86.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.6 mm | 85.9 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1415 kg | 1588 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3690 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 990 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2730 mm |
