1989 Alfa Romeo SZ vs. 1980 BMW M5
To start off, 1989 Alfa Romeo SZ is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 BMW M5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 BMW M5 would be higher. At 3,453 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 BMW M5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 BMW M5 (218 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1989 Alfa Romeo SZ. (208 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 BMW M5 should accelerate faster than 1989 Alfa Romeo SZ. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 BMW M5 weights approximately 131 kg more than 1989 Alfa Romeo SZ. 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, 1980 BMW M5 (304 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 59 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Alfa Romeo SZ. (245 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1980 BMW M5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Alfa Romeo SZ.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Alfa Romeo SZ | 1980 BMW M5 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | SZ | M5 |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2957 cc | 3453 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 218 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 304 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 93.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.6 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Top Speed | 245 km/hour | 228 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7 seconds | 7.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1260 kg | 1391 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4070 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 70 L |
