Alfa Pages

[Sergio]

Hi

Yesterday I drove a Ford Fiesta XR2i 16v (130hp model) and the dealer (a mechanic and race car driver (classic datsun 1200)) says that my 33 16v (non cat and 137hp) has nothing to do with the ford performance wise... He says the ford is a lot faster. I didn't feel that when I drove it and besides it having short gears it didn't seem as beastly as my beloved alfa.
It's about 100kg lighter and has more torque, but doesn't have that alfa reving soul.
Does any body have performance figures (just to feed my curiosity) for both cars, like 0-100Km/h, 0-400 metres, or 0-1000m?

I felt the car had great handling (very solid ride), but the wheels rubbed on the arches because it was running 175/60r14 tyres on the Pegueot 106 rallye rims (white steel) that has an offset of 12-15 mm more than twice suggested for the ford. So that's why offsets matter so much...

All best

Sergio

[james]

I was speaking to my brother the other night. He dug out for me a Alfa 33 1987 brochure, so when he send's it down to me i will scan it in and upload it for people to have look at. It should be very instersting read. or unless you know or any one that has them on the net for down load.

For performance figures you could take a look at www.maxpower.co.uk , www.fastcar.co.uk these should have the ford numbers.

Hope this helps.

James
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Umm thinking of getting a Alfa 33 P4 16v cloverleaf.

I would have done but i could not see any nice ones, so on the end i went for a 145 QV. Very happy with it

But still looking for a nice cheep 33 cloverleaf.

[Sergio]

Thanks Admin for placing this in the right place

I apologise for posting in the wrong place

All the Best

Sérgio

[Lee]

Hi, I`ve got a few copies of Performance car magazine from the mid `90s, and they tested the Fiesta you mention.
They got 0-60 mph from rest in 8.3 seconds, but commented "harsh engine, harsh ride.For Fiesta die hards called Kevin" UK people will understand this joke!

The official figure from Alfa for 0-60 in a 33 16v non cat is 8 sec dead, but magazines put anywhere between here and about 8.9 sec, but as the Alfa is so free revving and willing to be red lined it feels all the better.

Buy hey, even if the Alfas a little slower they`re way cooler to own and be seen in.

Lee
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`97 155 2.0 16v sport
`91 33 1.7 I.E

[james]

[Charlie]

James to be fair i have loads of mates who have their performance versions of said corsa/saxo/fiesta/nova varients. Admittedly i am very partial to these rare breeds of fine automoitve dullness. (or perhaps not)

Come on tell your mates to get a proper car! something akin to the beast which you want to get. I am 19 and have a 33 16v. I get nothing but respect from my cronies. And the main reason is that my beast is pure class. It is quick, Italian, and pulls the birds. I have to also say that on the roasd the 33 16v chews the fiesta up. My mate has the very same xr2 16v(130bhp) model and he cant stick with me for peanuts.

[/quote]
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Charlie

Spaghetti and Meatballs

33 16v elegante

[james]

To right

I can't wait till i get one. i just need to find the cash and the right car
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Umm thinking of getting a Alfa 33 P4 16v cloverleaf.

I would have done but i could not see any nice ones, so on the end i went for a 145 QV. Very happy with it

But still looking for a nice cheep 33 cloverleaf.

[ChrisC]

Italian stuff way has to count as way better regardless of whether its faster or slower. I made my drive home from uni yesterday in my lancia (as quick as a 33 as far as it goes), and came across a pair of kevins racing (cavalier gsi 2000 and an orion of some sort). Passed them both within a minute of meeting them (on twisty welsh roads). And as for xr2is being faster, thats a pile of crap because they are always weighed down by four fat people in baseball caps, massive subs in the boot, cant handle because the owners have put on far too stiff suspension leaving them bouncing around all over the place and all xr2is have knackered piston rings fitted as standard, so they can leave the blue smoke everywhere.
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Alfa Sprint QV - Gone to a better home and in happier health for it
Silver Lancia Beta HPE Volumex - under restoration

[RickD]

I have a 1991 16v and it says in the book
0-60 : 10.5 secs.
I timed it and I confirm.

This car is not very quick at acceleration, although the engine does have character. The gearbox is too slow and basically unreliable, and torque is probably a little low.
Today, most turbo diesel gets from 0 to 60 in less than a 33 Boxer 16V.
It kills me but it's true.

[Mixsynth]

www.carstats.co.uk says 8.9. Most sites are more generous.

As to your achieved figure of 10.5, you can't compare the official figures to the speeds you or I can achieve, unless you or I were trained racing drivers. Not to mention the fact that most 16v's on the road could probably do with a bit of re-tweaking to get them back to their best.
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Hugh B
'98 145 QV
'89 33 1.7 16V Veloce SportWagon (in hibernation)
16V conversion pics/videos - now updated with extra pictures and explanations

[ak]

I knew someone who had fitted turbo into a 1.7 33 and had messed with the engine, so it was giving about 170 hp..
i do not think any diesel could outdo this..

[Matt Stolton]

[gritsop]

Hi all,

I would like to make some comments from my point of view and according to what i have read in this topic of the 33's performance.
I'm an owner of a 1991 33 1.4 IE.
Two days ago I was passenger in a ford focus RS (2000cc, 225 hps) and we drove a distance of 60-70 kms in mountain road - uphill and down hill.
Indeed the car was running fast enough entering the curves without being pulled off its lane, it was uncomparable. BUT what i realised from this small journey is the fact that italian cars have their own "personality".
Of cource focus RS and 33 are completely different but this is not the point .The point is that italian cars have their own distinct character. Ford whatever engine/suspension etc may have still remains a ford. In my country Greece, Ford and Opel are cars that are for girls aged 20-25 and for people being in pension! If you ask a greek person about Italian cars then the asnwer is Ferrari, Maserati and Alfa Romeo- AR has acheived in a legend.
So besides some people looking performances etc. always keep in ming that people's eyes always stare in AR's silver heart and not to the ford's or opel's logo.
In addition last sunday at a friends house we were 5 people at my age (25 years old) and we were discussing about cars. Then one of him told me about my alfa: Is it 5-6 years old ? and I told him "no", it is 12 years old; reaction: he was left with his mouth open!
So as a conclusion i will say again that performance is good but good reputation and a cuore sportivo cannot be measured with a ford, opel or peugeot car.

Thanassis Gritsopoulos
Athens - Greece

[Charlie]

I am sorry but i have to disagree with you rick, the 33 16v 0-60 time as quoted by alfa-romeo is 8.1 seconds. Plain as mud. This means the average driver could do this in 8.5 or so if you sidestep the cluth and hold on. I feel you may be refering to the figures for the 1.7 ie although alfa even quote 9 or more seconds or so. So i think your figures are wrong. If they arent then citroens figures are way out for their saxo Vtr and Vts models because i have no problems beating Vtrs from the line. Sorry bu i think you are wrong.

Enjoy your alfas though
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Charlie

Spaghetti and Meatballs

33 16v elegante