1972 Alfa Romeo Alfasud vs. 1996 BMW M3
To start off, 1996 BMW M3 is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Alfa Romeo Alfasud. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Alfa Romeo Alfasud would be higher. At 3,001 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW M3 (326 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 264 more horse power than 1972 Alfa Romeo Alfasud. (62 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1972 Alfa Romeo Alfasud. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW M3 weights approximately 778 kg more than 1972 Alfa Romeo Alfasud. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 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 1996 BMW M3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1972 Alfa Romeo Alfasud, 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, 1996 BMW M3 (305 Nm) has 222 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Alfa Romeo Alfasud. (83 Nm). This means 1996 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Alfa Romeo Alfasud.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Alfa Romeo Alfasud | 1996 BMW M3 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | Alfasud | M3 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1186 cc | 3001 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 62 HP | 326 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 83 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 86.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 59 mm | 85.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 810 kg | 1588 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3900 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2730 mm |
