Vergangenheit trifft Zukunft: Der Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale im Generationsduell

Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale: A Comparison of Old and New

Has the modern take on Scaglione's iconic design succeeded?

The topic of reimagining classic cars is always up for debate. For some, the attempt is successful, while for others, not so much. Alfa Romeo has boldly ventured into its own reinterpretation, with a limited run of just 33 units ultimately reaching buyers.

The Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale takes inspiration from its predecessor, which debuted at the 1967 Turin Motor Show and traces its lineage back to the race car Tipo 33. This predecessor is often ranked among the most beautiful cars globally and is even more exclusive, with only 18 chassis built, out of which just twelve were completed with bodies designed by Franco Scaglione, and only eight are accounted for today. We recently had the chance to compare the vintage and the modern up close. Does the new supercar live up to such a legacy of beauty?

Photo Gallery: Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale (2024) Versus 33 Stradale (1967)

Exterior

The necessary iconic proportions are indeed present: the slender front grille, the curvaceous sideline, the almost panoramic glassed butterfly doors, and the side air intakes. There's also the presence of the simple round tail lights and the quartet of exhaust pipes. While the new supercar sports massive dial-style rims, the vintage '67 33 Stradale opts for more understated sizes and smaller circles.

The most notable difference lies in the headlights. The older model features round lights behind a glass dome, giving off a pleasant appearance. In contrast, the newer version sports an oval-shaped design with a slightly more assertive lighting pattern. Meanwhile, the mirrors have undergone a relocation, moving from the fenders to a new position on the doors.

Comparing the 2024 Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale with the 1967 Version

The 2024 Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale compared to the 1967 version of the 33 Stradale.

Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale (2024) Versus 33 Stradale (1967)

I would have preferred them at the front, but since I didn't have the spare change to make a pre-order and have a say in the development process (like all those who pre-ordered did), the mirrors ended up where they are. However, it seems that pedestrian safety was probably the main reason for their placement.

The vehicle's fairly average drag coefficient of 0.375 probably wouldn't have made much difference anyway. On the whole, the older model appears more slender, yet it also presents with considerably more elegance.

Interior

The essence of the original 33 Stradale is simple: steering, gear shifting, and braking. Its cabin is minimalistic. The specific model observed was also equipped for racing, including bucket seats and harnesses.

They still share one thing in common. When the door shuts, the space feels tight. However, thanks to the generous use of glass, it doesn't seem that way in either of them. Alfa Romeo has also kept the offspring minimal in design. The controls and levers continue to evoke the feel of aviation. Throughout, we find leather accents or solid aluminum applications. The essential infotainment system is subtly concealed, elegantly sliding downwards when not in use.

Comparison Between the 2024 Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale and the 1967 Model

Comparing the 2024 Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale with the 1967 Model

Performance and Driving Features

The modern reimagining by Alfa Romeo weighs at least twice as much as its predecessor. The traditional fuel model tips the scales at 1,500 kg, while the electric variant adds nearly the equivalent weight of an old 33 Stradale, hitting 2,100 kg.

A twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 engine powers the 2024 model of the 33 Stradale, delivering impressive performance. It now requires 620 horsepower, with the electric version ramping up to 750 horsepower. At the peak of its acceleration frenzy, it can reach a speed of 333 km/h, where the car's weight plays a significant role. Although the 1967 model of the 33 Stradale takes three seconds longer to hit 100 km/h, it still achieves a notable top speed of 260 km/h, thanks in part to its 700 kg curb weight.

Honorable Successor?

The saying "Let bygones be bygones" is often found on calendar quotes, and I tend to agree when it comes to car manufacturing. Ultimately, Alfa Romeo's revival of the 33 Stradale has been a success. Though it's likely that no modern vehicle could ever match the distinct beauty of past design eras due to regulations, safety standards, and technical advancements.

The Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale is a revamped classic that we wish would make more frequent appearances on the roads. Certainly, more so than others. However, with only 33 units sold, the likelihood of this happening is extremely slim.

Discover more about the Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale

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