1989 Alfa Romeo SZ vs. 2003 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 2003 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 14 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 80 more horse power than 2003 Volkswagen Polo. (128 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Alfa Romeo SZ should accelerate faster than 2003 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Alfa Romeo SZ weights approximately 105 kg more than 2003 Volkswagen Polo. 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, 2003 Volkswagen Polo, 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, 2003 Volkswagen Polo (310 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Alfa Romeo SZ. (245 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2003 Volkswagen Polo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Alfa Romeo SZ.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Alfa Romeo SZ | 2003 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Volkswagen |
| Model | SZ | Polo |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2957 cc | 1983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 128 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.6 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 245 km/hour | 206 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7 seconds | 9.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1260 kg | 1155 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4070 mm | 3900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.2 L/100km | 4.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.2 L/100km | 6.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.9 L/100km | 5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 45 L |
