1983 Alfa Romeo 33 vs. 1978 Volvo 264
To start off, 1983 Alfa Romeo 33 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Volvo 264. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Volvo 264 would be higher. At 2,664 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Volvo 264 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Volvo 264 (148 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 1983 Alfa Romeo 33. (94 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Volvo 264 should accelerate faster than 1983 Alfa Romeo 33. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Volvo 264 weights approximately 544 kg more than 1983 Alfa Romeo 33. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Volvo 264 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 1978 Volvo 264. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1983 Alfa Romeo 33, 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, 1978 Volvo 264 (218 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Alfa Romeo 33. (133 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1978 Volvo 264 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Alfa Romeo 33.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Alfa Romeo 33 | 1978 Volvo 264 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Volvo |
| Model | 33 | 264 |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1490 cc | 2664 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 94 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 133 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 67.2 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 912 kg | 1456 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4020 mm | 4910 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 60 L |
