2002 Alfa Romeo 147 vs. 2008 BMW 550
To start off, 2008 BMW 550 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Alfa Romeo 147. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Alfa Romeo 147 would be higher. At 3,179 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Alfa Romeo 147 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 550 (362 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 116 more horse power than 2002 Alfa Romeo 147. (246 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 2002 Alfa Romeo 147. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 550 weights approximately 300 kg more than 2002 Alfa Romeo 147. 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, 2002 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, 2008 BMW 550 (491 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 191 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Alfa Romeo 147. (300 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Alfa Romeo 147.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Alfa Romeo 147 | 2008 BMW 550 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | 147 | 550 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3179 cc | 2497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 246 HP | 362 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 491 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Top Speed | 230 km/hour | 235 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.3 seconds | 5.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1360 kg | 1660 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1490 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1850 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.1 L/100km | 11.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
