1989 Alfa Romeo SZ vs. 1986 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1989 Alfa Romeo SZ is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Volkswagen Passat 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 149 more horse power than 1986 Volkswagen Passat. (59 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Alfa Romeo SZ should accelerate faster than 1986 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Alfa Romeo SZ weights approximately 234 kg more than 1986 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1989 Alfa Romeo SZ is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1989 Alfa Romeo SZ. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1986 Volkswagen Passat, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 145 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Volkswagen Passat. (100 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1989 Alfa Romeo SZ will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Alfa Romeo SZ | 1986 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Volkswagen |
| Model | SZ | Passat |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2957 cc | 1297 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.6 mm | 72 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1260 kg | 1026 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4070 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2560 mm |
