1990 Alfa Romeo 33 vs. 2003 BMW 520
To start off, 2003 BMW 520 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Alfa Romeo 33. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Alfa Romeo 33 would be higher. At 2,171 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW 520 (167 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 84 more horse power than 1990 Alfa Romeo 33. (83 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1990 Alfa Romeo 33. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 520 weights approximately 645 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 2003 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 2003 BMW 520. 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, 2003 BMW 520 (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Alfa Romeo 33. (178 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2003 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Alfa Romeo 33. 2003 BMW 520 has automatic transmission and 1990 Alfa Romeo 33 has manual transmission. 1990 Alfa Romeo 33 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 BMW 520 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Alfa Romeo 33 | 2003 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | 33 | 520 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1779 cc | 2171 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 83 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 178 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.2 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 22.0:1 | 10.7:1 |
| Top Speed | 172 km/hour | 217 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 13.8 seconds | 10.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1055 kg | 1700 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 6.7 L/100km | 7.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 7.3 L/100km | 13 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.2 L/100km | 9.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 70 L |
