1987 Alfa Romeo 33 vs. 1972 BMW 520
To start off, 1987 Alfa Romeo 33 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 BMW 520 would be higher. At 1,989 cc (4 cylinders), 1972 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Alfa Romeo 33 (118 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1972 BMW 520. (113 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 Alfa Romeo 33 should accelerate faster than 1972 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 BMW 520 weights approximately 253 kg more than 1987 Alfa Romeo 33.
Because 1972 BMW 520 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 1972 BMW 520. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1987 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, 1972 BMW 520 (165 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Alfa Romeo 33. (148 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1972 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Alfa Romeo 33.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Alfa Romeo 33 | 1972 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | 33 | 520 |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1712 cc | 1989 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 190 km/hour | 172 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 977 kg | 1230 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4020 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2640 mm |
