1990 Alfa Romeo 33 vs. 1981 BMW M1
To start off, 1990 Alfa Romeo 33 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 BMW M1. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 BMW M1 would be higher. At 3,453 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 BMW M1 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 BMW M1 (273 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 169 more horse power than 1990 Alfa Romeo 33. (104 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 BMW M1 should accelerate faster than 1990 Alfa Romeo 33. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 BMW M1 weights approximately 330 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 1981 BMW M1 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 1981 BMW M1. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 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, 1981 BMW M1 (330 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 194 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Alfa Romeo 33. (136 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 1981 BMW M1 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 | 1981 BMW M1 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | 33 | M1 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1490 cc | 3453 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 273 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 136 Nm | 330 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78.1 mm | 93.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 970 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4080 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1140 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2570 mm |
