1989 Alfa Romeo SZ vs. 1979 Mazda Montrose
To start off, 1989 Alfa Romeo SZ is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Mazda Montrose. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Mazda Montrose would be higher. At 2,957 cc (6 cylinders), 1989 Alfa Romeo SZ is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Alfa Romeo SZ (208 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 118 more horse power than 1979 Mazda Montrose. (90 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Alfa Romeo SZ should accelerate faster than 1979 Mazda Montrose. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Alfa Romeo SZ weights approximately 190 kg more than 1979 Mazda Montrose. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1989 Alfa Romeo SZ (245 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 92 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mazda Montrose. (153 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1989 Alfa Romeo SZ will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mazda Montrose. 1979 Mazda Montrose has automatic transmission and 1989 Alfa Romeo SZ has manual transmission. 1989 Alfa Romeo SZ will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Mazda Montrose will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Alfa Romeo SZ | 1979 Mazda Montrose | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mazda |
| Model | SZ | Montrose |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2957 cc | 1968 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 153 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.6 mm | 98 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1260 kg | 1070 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4070 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 55 L |
