1984 Alfa Romeo 33 vs. 1974 BMW 518
To start off, 1984 Alfa Romeo 33 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 BMW 518. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 BMW 518 would be higher. At 1,766 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 BMW 518 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1984 Alfa Romeo 33 (93 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1974 BMW 518. (90 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1984 Alfa Romeo 33 should accelerate faster than 1974 BMW 518. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 BMW 518 weights approximately 325 kg more than 1984 Alfa Romeo 33.
Because 1974 BMW 518 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 1974 BMW 518. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1984 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, 1974 BMW 518 (146 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Alfa Romeo 33. (130 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1974 BMW 518 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Alfa Romeo 33.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Alfa Romeo 33 | 1974 BMW 518 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | 33 | 518 |
| Year Released | 1984 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1490 cc | 1766 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Horse Power | 93 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 130 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 915 kg | 1240 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4150 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 70 L |
