1997 Alfa Romeo GTV vs. 1972 BMW 3
To start off, 1997 Alfa Romeo GTV is newer by 25 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 2,986 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 BMW 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 BMW 3 (201 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 1997 Alfa Romeo GTV. (144 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 1997 Alfa Romeo GTV. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 BMW 3 weights approximately 24 kg more than 1997 Alfa Romeo GTV. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 BMW 3 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 3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Alfa Romeo GTV, 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 3 (271 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 102 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Alfa Romeo GTV. (169 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1972 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Alfa Romeo GTV.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Alfa Romeo GTV | 1972 BMW 3 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | GTV | 3 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1972 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1746 cc | 2986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 144 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 169 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 210 km/hour | 224 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1350 kg | 1374 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2620 mm |
