1989 Alfa Romeo SZ vs. 2001 BMW 520
To start off, 2001 BMW 520 is newer by 12 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 41 more horse power than 2001 BMW 520. (167 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Alfa Romeo SZ should accelerate faster than 2001 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 BMW 520 weights approximately 410 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 35 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 BMW 520. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1989 Alfa Romeo SZ will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Alfa Romeo SZ | 2001 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | SZ | 520 |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2957 cc | 2171 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.6 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1260 kg | 1670 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4070 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 70 L |
