2005 Alfa Romeo 147 vs. 1990 BMW M3
To start off, 2005 Alfa Romeo 147 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 BMW M3 would be higher. At 2,467 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 BMW M3 (238 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 120 more horse power than 2005 Alfa Romeo 147. (118 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2005 Alfa Romeo 147. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Alfa Romeo 147 weights approximately 125 kg more than 1990 BMW M3.
Because 1990 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 1990 BMW M3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 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, 1990 BMW M3 (240 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 93 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Alfa Romeo 147. (147 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1990 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Alfa Romeo 147.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Alfa Romeo 147 | 1990 BMW M3 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | 147 | M3 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 2467 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 238 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 147 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 95.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.7 mm | 87 mm |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.6 seconds | 6.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1325 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4180 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1510 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.2 L/100km | 6.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 62 L |
