Both the BMW 2002 TII and the Alfa Romeo 2000 GTV arrived on the car scene in 1971 to open-jaws and bulging eyes. Blurring the line between coupé and sporty saloon, we now have to pick between them. Blimey…
We will eventually have to admit that car manufacturers have spoilt us, especially over the past twenty years. We now expect punchy and dynamic quality from everything we drive, not least the increasingly popular hybrid between sports saloon and coupé. Yet, in the late 1960s and early 1970s, these fresh-faced ideas were only just on the scene. Two of the finest from this evolutionary period are the BMW 2002 TII and the Alfa Romeo 2000 GTV - but which one would we give our last garage space to?
Oh boy, this is a tricky one.
Round 1: The Looks
As a design, the BMW has aged rather well. It’s boxy lines and rigid shape might not be as charming as the Alfa Romeo, but discreet elegance appears to be a phrase coined for the 2002 TII. Holding a clean stance and working with an unbroken waistline, your eyes can’t help but follow around the body shell in its entirety - especially if the car in question is lucky enough to have the chrome strips.
The Alfa Romeo also holds your attention, albeit it in a different way. There is no chrome loveliness here, only curves and a pinched tail to feast your eyes on. The unique rear-end shape may divide Alfa purists but it allows a stance akin to a pouncing cheetah - which is no bad thing. Giugiaro’s design was apparently rushed, borrowing heavily from other Alfas of the time, but if he had worked on it for longer we wouldn’t have this stunning beauty as it is.
Round 2: The Power
The 2000 may have enjoyed a longer production life over the BMW, but opening up the bonnet casts the viewer back a generation or two - simple and well presented, pipes and wires are at the ultimate bare minimum. Don’t panic however, the 2000 GTV still packs an almighty punch.
The BMW undoubtedly works with more modern technology, the forerunner of so much greatness to follow, but while it may not look as special as the aluminium block in the Italian stallion, it can still eat most modern cars for breakfast.
Offering 100bhp in basic form, with a top speed of 107mph and a zero to sixty sprint in 12 seconds, the BMW 2002 was certainly a quick car in its day. However, the Alfa was even faster - offering 115mph, 122bhp and a 10 second dash to 60mph from naught.
If you went for the 2002TII, or the 2000 GTV however, you were guaranteed more power and speed - with the Alfa on steroids allowing 122mph from 132bhp and 0-60 in little over 9 seconds. The tuned BMW could top 60mph in only 8.2 seconds with a top speed of 118mph from 130bhp.
Round 3: The Handling
The BMW has to deal with a slight looseness when driving dead-ahead, almost as if the steering has retreated into a sulk. However, everything makes sense as soon as you flick the 2002 TII into a corner, weighing up nicely with more feedback the more you move. The BMW grips well and feels almost perfectly balanced. With body roll well-controlled and stiff dampers providing a level of comfort that won’t destroy the base of your spine over long journeys.
Yet, no matter how good the BMW is, the Alfa Romeo simply walks all over it. Turn the wheel, no matter how violently, at any speed and you can immerse in the glorious feedback provided. Allowing supreme confidence, you end up welcoming every corner with open arms - the 2000 GTV offering healthy grip with well-controlled body roll. The only downside, if any, is that the BMW’s ride is more supple.
Round 4: The Interior
The BMW is rather dull, with no real styling as such and certainly no luxury. It’s not exactly as utilitarian as a barn or a Land Rover, but the Alfa Romeo offers bags more exuberance and style, with an almost Ferrari feel to it.
The BMW is functional, however, with supportive seats and a great driving position to match. The height of the steering wheel could cause disgruntlement for those under 5ft 8in, while shiny vinyl decorates the remainder of the cabin. The only sporty feel from the interior is the chunky and blunt centre console - almost Jaguar like in its identity.
The Alfa Romeo may have seats that aren’t quite as relaxing as the 2002, but where it loses points for comfort it gains back for the feel in the cockpit. Nothing really comes close.
Round 5: Living With Them
The BMW wins the MPG battle, allowing 25mpg even on a bad day. The Alfa can accommodate 22mpg, but when it boils down to servicing and parts, the Alfa redeems its heavier thirst.
The back seats in either car won’t really accommodate anyone with ease, unless you fold back their legs and promptly remove their head, but as far as keeping up with traffic goes, these old girls still cut the mustard.
Typical 1970s rot and rust requires on-the-ball attention, but if you look after either one then you’ll be rewarded with boundless enthusiasm - your everyday hack gathering dust during any spell of good weather.
The Verdict.
Both the BMW 2002 TII and the Alfa Romeo 2000 GTV are brilliant at what they do, offering different things to different people. Speed and efficiency isn’t always enough to steal your heart away, but the BMW comes darn close. However, for us, the Alfa Romeo is simply too good to ignore - offering a well-rounded package and everything you could possibly need from a classic car to play with.
Should you now want an Alfa Romeo 2000, especially the GTV version, and we wouldn't blame you, we have this excellent example here.
If you are still hunting down a decent BMW 2002, perhaps the much-loved TII, we've got you covered too.