2002 Toyota Solara vs. 1997 Alfa Romeo 146
To start off, 2002 Toyota Solara is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Alfa Romeo 146. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Alfa Romeo 146 would be higher. At 2,438 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Toyota Solara is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Toyota Solara (162 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1997 Alfa Romeo 146. (150 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Toyota Solara should accelerate faster than 1997 Alfa Romeo 146. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Toyota Solara weights approximately 170 kg more than 1997 Alfa Romeo 146. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear 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, 2002 Toyota Solara (224 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 37 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Alfa Romeo 146. (187 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2002 Toyota Solara will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Alfa Romeo 146.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Toyota Solara | 1997 Alfa Romeo 146 | |
| Make | Toyota | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | Solara | 146 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2438 cc | 1970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 162 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 224 Nm | 187 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88.5 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 91 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1395 kg | 1225 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2550 mm |
