1989 Alfa Romeo SZ vs. 2006 Alfa Romeo 156
To start off, 2006 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 17 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 60 more horse power than 2006 Alfa Romeo 156. (148 HP @ 6300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Alfa Romeo SZ should accelerate faster than 2006 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 325 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, 2006 Alfa Romeo 156, 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 @ 4500 RPM) has 64 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Alfa Romeo 156. (181 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1989 Alfa Romeo SZ will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Alfa Romeo 156.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Alfa Romeo SZ | 2006 Alfa Romeo 156 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | SZ | 156 |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2957 cc | 1970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 181 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 245 km/hour | 209 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7 seconds | 8.8 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 | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4070 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2600 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.9 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 63 L |
