2002 Alfa Romeo 147 vs. 2013 BMW 3 Series
To start off, 2013 BMW 3 Series is newer by 11 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 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2013 BMW 3 Series is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 BMW 3 Series (238 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 90 more horse power than 2002 Alfa Romeo 147. (148 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 BMW 3 Series should accelerate faster than 2002 Alfa Romeo 147. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 BMW 3 Series weights approximately 305 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 2013 BMW 3 Series 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 2013 BMW 3 Series. 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, 2013 BMW 3 Series (407 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 226 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Alfa Romeo 147. (181 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2013 BMW 3 Series will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Alfa Romeo 147. 2013 BMW 3 Series has automatic transmission and 2002 Alfa Romeo 147 has manual transmission. 2002 Alfa Romeo 147 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2013 BMW 3 Series will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Alfa Romeo 147 | 2013 BMW 3 Series | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | 147 | 3 Series |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 238 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 181 Nm | 407 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.2 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1325 kg | 1630 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4180 mm | 4636 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 2031 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1429 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 60 L |
