1989 Alfa Romeo SZ vs. 2011 BMW M3
To start off, 2011 BMW M3 is newer by 22 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 3,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 206 more horse power than 1989 Alfa Romeo SZ. (208 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1989 Alfa Romeo SZ. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW M3 weights approximately 625 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, 2011 BMW M3 (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 155 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Alfa Romeo SZ. (245 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2011 BMW M3 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 | 2011 BMW M3 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | SZ | M3 |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2957 cc | 3999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 414 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 8300 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 75.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.6 mm | 92 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 245 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7 seconds | 5.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1260 kg | 1885 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4070 mm | 4615 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1803 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1392 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2761 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 9.2 L/100km | 12.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.2 L/100km | 18 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.9 L/100km | 9.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 63 L |
