1978 Alfa Romeo Alfasud vs. 1985 BMW M5
To start off, 1985 BMW M5 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Alfa Romeo Alfasud. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Alfa Romeo Alfasud would be higher. At 3,453 cc (6 cylinders), 1985 BMW M5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 BMW M5 (256 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 171 more horse power than 1978 Alfa Romeo Alfasud. (85 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 BMW M5 should accelerate faster than 1978 Alfa Romeo Alfasud. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 BMW M5 weights approximately 610 kg more than 1978 Alfa Romeo Alfasud. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1985 BMW M5 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 1985 BMW M5. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 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, 1985 BMW M5 (290 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 179 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Alfa Romeo Alfasud. (111 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1985 BMW M5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Alfa Romeo Alfasud.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Alfa Romeo Alfasud | 1985 BMW M5 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | Alfasud | M5 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1351 cc | 3453 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 256 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 111 Nm | 290 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.1 mm | 91.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 67.2 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 890 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 70 L |
