Segment:
Compact executive car
Unique Selling Proposition:
Front-wheel drive, lightweight, sporting handling, unique boxer engine
Key Competitors:
Volkswagen Golf, Ford Escort, Fiat 128, Renault 12
Design Inspiration:
Marcello Gandini (Bertone)
Engineering Innovation:
Lightweight construction, advanced FWD layout for its time
Manual Value Proposition:
Enables cost-effective maintenance and repair for enthusiasts
Engine:
Flat-4 (Boxer) engine overhaul, tuning, diagnosis
Engine Specifics:
1.2L, 1.3L, 1.5L, 1.7L boxer engines
Cooling System:
Radiator, thermostat, coolant pump, fan operation, flush and refill procedures
Fuel System:
Carburetor (Solex, Dell'Orto) overhaul and adjustment, fuel pump, fuel lines, tank removal and cleaning
Ignition System:
Spark plugs, ignition coils, distributor, timing adjustment, wiring diagrams
Transmission:
5-speed manual transaxle, clutch replacement, gearbox overhaul, fluid changes
Drivetrain:
Front-wheel drive system, driveshafts, CV joints, differential
Suspension:
Front independent suspension (MacPherson struts), rear semi-independent torsion bar suspension, shock absorbers, bushings, alignment procedures
Steering:
Rack and pinion steering system, steering column, linkage, adjustments
Brakes:
Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes, brake system bleeding, master cylinder, wheel cylinders, brake lines, parking brake
Electrical System:
12V electrical system, battery, alternator, starter motor, lighting system, wiring diagrams for all circuits, dashboard instruments, fuses, relays
Bodywork:
Body panel repair, rust prevention and treatment, door mechanisms, glass replacement, interior trim
HVAC:
Heating system, ventilation, blower motor, ducting (air conditioning not standard on most models)
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, tune-ups, spark plug replacement, coolant flushes, brake fluid changes, lubrication points
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common problems, symptom-based fault finding
Repair:
Engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, suspension component replacement, brake caliper rebuilds, electrical component repairs
Special Tools:
Identification and use of specific tools required for certain procedures
Depth:
Comprehensive from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds
Detail Level:
Step-by-step instructions with detailed illustrations and diagrams
Configuration:
Flat-4 (Boxer)
Displacement Options:
1186 cc, 1286 cc, 1490 cc, 1712 cc
Horsepower Range:
63 hp to 105 hp (depending on engine and tune)
Torque Range:
85 Nm to 130 Nm (depending on engine)
Carburetor Types:
Single or twin Solex, Dell'Orto
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (later models), Leaded gasoline (early models)
Cooling Type:
Water-cooled
Valve Train:
SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft)
Bore X Stroke Typical:
80.0 mm x 59.0 mm (1186 cc), 84.0 mm x 58.0 mm (1286 cc), 84.0 mm x 70.0 mm (1490 cc), 86.0 mm x 74.0 mm (1712 cc)
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 - 7,500 km (3,000 - 5,000 miles) or 6-12 months
Tune Up Interval:
Every 15,000 - 20,000 km (9,000 - 12,000 miles)
Timing Belt Replacement:
Not applicable (chain-driven camshafts)
Engine Oil Type:
API SF/CD SAE 20W/50 or 10W/40 (depending on climate)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.5 liters (with filter)
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze mixture
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Rust Prone Areas:
Wheel arches, sills, floor pans, rear quarter panels, door bottoms, strut towers
Engine Maintenance:
Carburetor tuning and adjustment can be critical; camshaft wear possible
Suspension Wear:
Bushings, ball joints, and tie rod ends are common wear items
Electrical Reliability:
Older wiring harnesses can degrade, leading to intermittent faults
Alfa Romeo Legacy:
Renowned for sporting pedigree, beautiful design, and engaging driving dynamics
Facelifts Updates:
Series 1 (1972-1977), Series 2 (1978-1983), Series 3 (1983-1989) with styling and mechanical updates, introduction of Sprint and Ti variants
Discontinuation Year:
1989
Manufacturing Location:
Naples, Italy (and initially also at the Pomigliano d'Arco plant)
Production Volume Estimate:
Over 600,000 units
