1978 Alfa Romeo Giulietta vs. 2003 BMW M3
To start off, 2003 BMW M3 is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Alfa Romeo Giulietta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Alfa Romeo Giulietta would be higher. At 3,168 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW M3 (342 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 249 more horse power than 1978 Alfa Romeo Giulietta. (93 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1978 Alfa Romeo Giulietta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW M3 weights approximately 315 kg more than 1978 Alfa Romeo Giulietta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2003 BMW M3 (350 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 229 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Alfa Romeo Giulietta. (121 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2003 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Alfa Romeo Giulietta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Alfa Romeo Giulietta | 2003 BMW M3 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | Giulietta | M3 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1357 cc | 3168 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 93 HP | 342 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 7900 RPM |
| Torque | 121 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 67.5 mm | 91 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 11.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 165 km/hour | 259 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1070 kg | 1385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 63 L |
