1989 Alfa Romeo SZ vs. 1981 BMW 525
To start off, 1989 Alfa Romeo SZ is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 BMW 525. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 BMW 525 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 60 more horse power than 1981 BMW 525. (148 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Alfa Romeo SZ should accelerate faster than 1981 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 BMW 525 weights approximately 20 kg more than 1989 Alfa Romeo SZ.
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 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 525. (215 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1989 Alfa Romeo SZ will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 525.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Alfa Romeo SZ | 1981 BMW 525 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | SZ | 525 |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2957 cc | 2495 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 215 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.6 mm | 71.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7 seconds | 8.6 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 | 1280 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4070 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.2 L/100km | 7.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.2 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.9 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 70 L |
