1989 Alfa Romeo SZ vs. 1999 Toyota Prius
To start off, 1999 Toyota Prius is newer by 10 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 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 81 more horse power than 1999 Toyota Prius. (127 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Alfa Romeo SZ should accelerate faster than 1999 Toyota Prius. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Toyota Prius weights approximately 355 kg more than 1989 Alfa Romeo SZ.
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, 1999 Toyota Prius, 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) has 137 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Toyota Prius. (108 Nm). This means 1989 Alfa Romeo SZ will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Toyota Prius. 1999 Toyota Prius 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. 1999 Toyota Prius will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Alfa Romeo SZ | 1999 Toyota Prius | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Toyota |
| Model | SZ | Prius |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2957 cc | 1499 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 127 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1260 kg | 1615 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4070 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2440 mm |
