1977 Alfa Romeo Alfasud vs. 1996 BMW 540
To start off, 1996 BMW 540 is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Alfa Romeo Alfasud. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Alfa Romeo Alfasud would be higher. At 4,397 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 540 (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 220 more horse power than 1977 Alfa Romeo Alfasud. (62 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 1977 Alfa Romeo Alfasud. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 925 kg more than 1977 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 540 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 540. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1977 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 540 (440 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 352 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Alfa Romeo Alfasud. (88 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Alfa Romeo Alfasud.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 Alfa Romeo Alfasud | 1996 BMW 540 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | Alfasud | 540 |
| Year Released | 1977 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1185 cc | 4397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 62 HP | 282 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 88 Nm | 440 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 59 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Top Speed | 153 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 890 kg | 1815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2830 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 70 L |
