2008 Alfa Romeo 147 vs. 1990 BMW 518
To start off, 2008 Alfa Romeo 147 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 BMW 518. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 BMW 518 would be higher. At 1,794 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 BMW 518 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 BMW 518 (113 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 2008 Alfa Romeo 147. (104 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 BMW 518 should accelerate faster than 2008 Alfa Romeo 147. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 BMW 518 weights approximately 95 kg more than 2008 Alfa Romeo 147. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1990 BMW 518 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 518. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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 518 (161 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Alfa Romeo 147. (141 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1990 BMW 518 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Alfa Romeo 147.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Alfa Romeo 147 | 1990 BMW 518 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | 147 | 518 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1794 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 141 Nm | 161 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.7 mm | 81 mm |
| Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 194 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 11.3 seconds | 12.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1265 kg | 1360 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 80 L |
