Performance Review: Alfa-Romeo Alfasud 1.2 Sprint Ti - [1974]

Figures & Specs Summary:

Alfa-Romeo Alfasud Performance Review.

Introduction:

This edition of the Alfa-Romeo Alfasud 1.2 Sprint Ti is the 5 speed / Manual version and was first brought out in 1974. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 1974 Lamborghini Countach LP400 and the 1974 Lancia Stratos 2.5 V6.This particular Alfa-Romeo Alfasud has a 1186cc 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 Alfasud 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 Alfasud's Front Wheel Drive, Saloon 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 838 kgs (1847 lbs) this makes the Alfa-Romeo Alfasud 1.2 Sprint Ti in the same weight category as the 2011 Lotus Elise Club Racer or the give or take 50kg.

The Alfa-Romeo Alfasud shares the same bhp with the 2013 Caterham 7 160/165 0.7L Turbo (79 bhp)

In terms of power the 1186cc 8V F4 engine produces 67 bhp (49 kW) @ 6000 rpm similar to the 2013 Caterham 7 160/165 0.7L Turbo (79 bhp) or the 2005 Citroen C1 1.0 VTR 3dr (67 bhp).

The Naturally Aspirated F4 throws out 67 lb-ft (90.8 Nm) @ 3200 rpm placing it with cars of similar torque performance figures such as the 2013 Caterham 7 160/165 0.7L Turbo (79 lb-ft) or the 2011 Aston-Martin Cygnet 1.3L Launch Edition (92 lb-ft).

Power to Weight:

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

The 1999 Ford Fiesta 1.6 Zetec S (104.5 bhp per ton) has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the Alfa-Romeo Alfasud.

The Alfa-Romeo Alfasud has a Power to weight ratio of 79.9 bhp per ton and 79.9 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 1974 Alfasud competing with the 1999 Ford Fiesta 1.6 Zetec S (104.5 bhp per ton) or the 1981 DeLorean DMC -12 (104.5 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 Alfasud generating around 79.9 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 2007 Fiat Bravo 1.9 Sport Multijet (104.4 lb-ft per ton) or the 1952 Alfa-Romeo 1900C 1.9L Coupe (104.0 lb-ft per ton).

Acceleration:

With a 0-60mph time of 12.80 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 13.2 secs, this made the Alfa-Romeo Alfasud 1.2 Sprint Ti as fast as the 1953 Austin-Healey 100 BN1 (12.80 secs) the 1949 Jensen Interceptor 4.0 12v Cabriolet (12.90 secs) the 1962 BMW 3200 CS Coupe (13.20 secs) the or the 1964 Austin-Healey Sprite MKIII AN8 (13.30 secs). This Alfa-Romeo Alfasud 1.2 Sprint Ti is also faster than the 1949 Jensen Interceptor 4.0 12v Cabriolet (12.90 secs) the 1962 BMW 3200 CS Coupe (13.20 secs) the 1964 Austin-Healey Sprite MKIII AN8 (13.30 secs) the and the 1954 Mercedes SL Class 190SL W121 (13.30 secs).

Quarter Mile time is a close race between the Alfasud and the 1988 Toyota Supra 3.0 Turbo

When talking about the performance of the Alfa-Romeo Alfasud on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 18.85 secs @ 72.6 mph. Similar performance down the quarter mile can be found with the the 1988 Toyota Supra 3.0 Turbo (18.77 secs), the 2011 Skoda Octavia RS 2.0 Turbo (18.79 secs), and the 2016 Volkswagen-VW Golf GTI 2.0 Turbo DSG (18.79 secs).

Top Speed:

Modern performance cars are often artificially restricted to 155mph. The 1974 version of the Alfa-Romeo Alfasud 1.2 Sprint Ti has a maximum speed of 100mph.

Top Speed of the 1974 Alfasud equals the 1979 Dodge Magnum GT 5.9L V8 (111 mph)

If maxing out your car on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster than the 1974 Alfa-Romeo Alfasud 1.2 Sprint Ti then how about the 1979 Dodge Magnum GT 5.9L V8 (111 mph), the 1976 Ford Granada 3.0 V6 (111 mph), or the 1975 Ford Escort Mk2 RS1800 (111 mph).

Related Links:

1974 Alfasud Rivals List.

A Brief History of Alfa-Romeo

Car Comparison