2009 Lexus IS vs. 2001 Alfa Romeo 146
To start off, 2009 Lexus IS is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Alfa Romeo 146. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Alfa Romeo 146 would be higher. At 4,969 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Lexus IS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Lexus IS (416 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 268 more horse power than 2001 Alfa Romeo 146. (148 HP @ 6300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 2001 Alfa Romeo 146. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Lexus IS weights approximately 485 kg more than 2001 Alfa Romeo 146. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Lexus IS 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 2009 Lexus IS. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Alfa Romeo 146, 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, 2009 Lexus IS (503 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 316 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Alfa Romeo 146. (187 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2009 Lexus IS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Alfa Romeo 146. 2009 Lexus IS has automatic transmission and 2001 Alfa Romeo 146 has manual transmission. 2001 Alfa Romeo 146 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Lexus IS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Lexus IS | 2001 Alfa Romeo 146 | |
| Make | Lexus | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | IS | 146 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4969 cc | 1970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 416 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 503 Nm | 187 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5200 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.8:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 265 km/hour | 216 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1215 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2600 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 10.2 L/100km | 6.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 14.7 L/100km | 8.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.4 L/100km | 13.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 61 L |
