1978 Alfa Romeo Alfetta vs. 2009 BMW 120
To start off, 2009 BMW 120 is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Alfa Romeo Alfetta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Alfa Romeo Alfetta would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 BMW 120 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 120 (175 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 1978 Alfa Romeo Alfetta. (144 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 1978 Alfa Romeo Alfetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 120 weights approximately 175 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 2009 BMW 120 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 BMW 120. 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, 2009 BMW 120 (350 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 181 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Alfa Romeo Alfetta. (169 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 120 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 | 2009 BMW 120 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | Alfetta | 120 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1747 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 144 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 169 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 16.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 210 km/hour | 228 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.2 seconds | 7.6 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1350 kg | 1525 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 51 L |
