1990 Alfa Romeo 33 vs. 1972 BMW 3
To start off, 1990 Alfa Romeo 33 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 BMW 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 BMW 3 would be higher. At 3,003 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 BMW 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 BMW 3 (197 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 93 more horse power than 1990 Alfa Romeo 33. (104 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 1990 Alfa Romeo 33. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 BMW 3 weights approximately 300 kg more than 1990 Alfa Romeo 33. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1990 Alfa Romeo 33 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1972 BMW 3. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 Alfa Romeo 33 will offer significantly more control. 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 3 (272 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 136 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Alfa Romeo 33. (136 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 1972 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Alfa Romeo 33.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Alfa Romeo 33 | 1972 BMW 3 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | 33 | 3 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1490 cc | 3003 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 136 Nm | 272 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 970 kg | 1270 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4080 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2630 mm |
