1989 Alfa Romeo SZ vs. 2006 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2006 Mazda RX-8 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, 2006 Mazda RX-8 (228 HP @ 8200 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1989 Alfa Romeo SZ. (208 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1989 Alfa Romeo SZ. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 168 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, 1989 Alfa Romeo SZ (245 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda RX-8. (211 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1989 Alfa Romeo SZ will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda RX-8.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Alfa Romeo SZ | 2006 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mazda |
| Model | SZ | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2957 cc | 1308 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 8200 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 211 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.6 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 245 km/hour | 235 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7 seconds | 6.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1260 kg | 1428 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4070 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.9 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 61 L |
