1989 Alfa Romeo SZ vs. 2009 Mazda 3
To start off, 2009 Mazda 3 is newer by 20 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 2009 Mazda 3. (148 HP @ 3500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Alfa Romeo SZ should accelerate faster than 2009 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mazda 3 weights approximately 205 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, 2009 Mazda 3, 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, 2009 Mazda 3 (360 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 115 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Alfa Romeo SZ. (245 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2009 Mazda 3 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 | 2009 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mazda |
| Model | SZ | 3 |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2957 cc | 2184 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 | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 360 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.6 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 16.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 245 km/hour | 208 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7 seconds | 9.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1260 kg | 1465 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4070 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.9 L/100km | 5.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 55 L |
