1989 Alfa Romeo SZ vs. 1997 BMW 850
To start off, 1997 BMW 850 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Alfa Romeo SZ. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Alfa Romeo SZ would be higher. At 5,379 cc (12 cylinders), 1997 BMW 850 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 BMW 850 (329 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 121 more horse power than 1989 Alfa Romeo SZ. (208 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 BMW 850 should accelerate faster than 1989 Alfa Romeo SZ. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 BMW 850 weights approximately 685 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, 1997 BMW 850 (490 Nm) has 245 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Alfa Romeo SZ. (245 Nm). This means 1997 BMW 850 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Alfa Romeo SZ. 1997 BMW 850 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. 1997 BMW 850 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Alfa Romeo SZ | 1997 BMW 850 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | SZ | 850 |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2957 cc | 5379 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 329 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 490 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 85.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.6 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 245 km/hour | 249 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1260 kg | 1945 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4070 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2690 mm |
