1989 Alfa Romeo SZ vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 9 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 3,199 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz S (221 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 1989 Alfa Romeo SZ. (208 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1989 Alfa Romeo SZ. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 546 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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz S (315 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Alfa Romeo SZ. (245 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Alfa Romeo SZ. 1998 Mercedes-Benz S 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. 1998 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Alfa Romeo SZ | 1998 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | SZ | S |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2957 cc | 3199 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 221 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 315 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.6 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 245 km/hour | 240 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7 seconds | 8.2 seconds |
| 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 | 1806 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4070 mm | 5160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2830 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 88 L |
