Performance Review: Alfa-Romeo 33 1.7 Boxer Cloverleaf - [1990]

Figures & Specs Summary:

Alfa-Romeo 33 Performance Review.

Introduction:

This edition of the Alfa-Romeo 33 1.7 Boxer Cloverleaf is the 5 speed / Manual version and was first brought out in 1990. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 1991 Jaguar XJ R-15 6.0 V12 and the 1991 Jaguar XJ 220.This particular Alfa-Romeo 33 has a 1712cc Naturally Aspirated Petrol powerplant with 4 cylinders in a F formation.

Alternative Petrol F4's includes the 2010 Subaru Impreza STI CS 400 - Cosworth - Hatch

The 33 shares its Petrol F4 engine configuration with the likes of the 2010 Subaru Impreza STI CS 400 - Cosworth - Hatch and the 2010 Subaru Impreza WRX STI R205 Spec C - Hatch. If you're looking for other fast cars which share the 33's Front Wheel Drive, Hatchback combination then how about the 2022 Volkswagen-VW Golf R Performance 2.0 Turbo or the 2020 Toyota Avalon TRD 3.5 V6.

Power and Weight:

Weighing in at 1010 kgs (2226 lbs) this makes the Alfa-Romeo 33 1.7 Boxer Cloverleaf in the same weight category as the 2014 Abarth 695 Biposto 1.4 Turbo or the give or take 50kg.

The Alfa-Romeo 33 shares the same bhp with the 2022 Mini Cooper Countryman John Cooper Works 1.5 Turbo (134 bhp)

In terms of power the 1712cc 16V F4 engine produces 137 bhp (102 kW) @ 3500 rpm similar to the 2022 Mini Cooper Countryman John Cooper Works 1.5 Turbo (134 bhp) or the 2020 Audi A1 A1 Sportback 35 TFSI S tronic S line (148 bhp).

The Naturally Aspirated F4 throws out 116 lb-ft (157.2 Nm) @ 4600 rpm placing it with cars of similar torque performance figures such as the 2013 Renault Captur 1.2 Turbo TCe 120 EDC (140 lb-ft) or the 2012 Mini Cooper Paceman (118 lb-ft).

Power to Weight:

If one combines the weight with power or torque performance for the Alfa-Romeo 33 you can get a better idea of it's real world performance.

The 2003 Seat Leon 1.8 20vt Cupra R 225 (160.6 bhp per ton) has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the Alfa-Romeo 33.

The Alfa-Romeo 33 has a Power to weight ratio of 135.6 bhp per ton and 114.8 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 1990 33 competing with the 2003 Seat Leon 1.8 20vt Cupra R 225 (160.6 bhp per ton) or the 1993 Ford Mustang SVT Cobra R 5.0 V8 (160.6 bhp per ton).

Power to Weight(cont.):

If you agree with the late great Carroll Shelby then arguably an even better indicator of potential performance, Torque. Use weight as well and you end up with - Torque per ton, with the Alfa-Romeo 33 generating around 114.8 lb-ft per ton. If you're curious as to what other cars have as much torque to weight then look no further than the 2012 Mini Cooper John Cooper Works Countrman (139.8 lb-ft per ton) or the 1977 Triumph Stag 3.0 V8 Convertible Mk2 (139.5 lb-ft per ton).

Acceleration:

With a 0-60mph time of 8.90 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 9.2 secs, this made the Alfa-Romeo 33 1.7 Boxer Cloverleaf as fast as the 2008 Audi A4 1.8T Avant (8.90 secs) the 2005 Suzuki Swift 1.6 VVT Sport (8.90 secs) the 2000 Vauxhall-Opel Omega 3.2 V6 Automatic (8.90 secs) the or the 1990 Volvo 940 2.3 Turbo (8.90 secs). This Alfa-Romeo 33 1.7 Boxer Cloverleaf is also faster than the 2012 Mini Cooper SD Paceman (9.00 secs) the 2007 Ford Taurus AWD 3.5 V6 (9.00 secs) the 2004 Vauxhall-Opel Corsa 1.8 GSi (9.00 secs) the and the 2002 Land-Rover Range Rover V8 Vogue (9.00 secs).

Quarter Mile time is a close race between the 33 and the 2009 Renault Clio 2.0 RenaultSport III 200 Cup

When talking about the performance of the Alfa-Romeo 33 on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 15.73 secs @ 87.0 mph. Similar performance down the quarter mile can be found with the the 2009 Renault Clio 2.0 RenaultSport III 200 Cup (15.68 secs), the 1972 Chevrolet Corvette C3 Stingray 454 7.4 V8 (15.69 secs), and the 2003 Chrysler 300 c 5.7 Hemi (15.70 secs).

Top Speed:

Modern performance cars are often artificially restricted to 155mph. The 1990 version of the Alfa-Romeo 33 1.7 Boxer Cloverleaf has a maximum speed of 129mph.

Top Speed of the 1990 33 equals the 2021 BMW i4 M50 (140 mph)

If maxing out your car on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster than the 1990 Alfa-Romeo 33 1.7 Boxer Cloverleaf then how about the 2021 BMW i4 M50 (140 mph), the 2020 Abarth 695 70th Anniversario 1.4 Turbo (140 mph), or the 2019 Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus (140 mph).

Related Links:

1990 33 Rivals List.

A Brief History of Alfa-Romeo

Car Comparison