1978 Alfa Romeo Alfetta vs. 1971 BMW 3
To start off, 1978 Alfa Romeo Alfetta is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 BMW 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 BMW 3 would be higher. At 2,986 cc (6 cylinders), 1971 BMW 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 BMW 3 (170 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1978 Alfa Romeo Alfetta. (144 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 1978 Alfa Romeo Alfetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 BMW 3 weights approximately 30 kg more than 1978 Alfa Romeo Alfetta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1971 BMW 3 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 1971 BMW 3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Alfa Romeo Alfetta, 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, 1971 BMW 3 (254 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Alfa Romeo Alfetta. (169 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1971 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Alfa Romeo Alfetta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Alfa Romeo Alfetta | 1971 BMW 3 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | Alfetta | 3 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1747 cc | 2986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 144 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 169 Nm | 254 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 9.1:1 |
| Top Speed | 210 km/hour | 204 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.2 seconds | 8.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1350 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2700 mm |
