1989 Alfa Romeo SZ vs. 2012 Mini Cooper Coupe
To start off, 2012 Mini Cooper Coupe is newer by 23 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, both vehicles can yield 208 horse power. So under normal driving conditions, the acceleration of both vehicles should be relatively similar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Alfa Romeo SZ weights approximately 35 kg more than 2012 Mini Cooper Coupe.
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, 2012 Mini Cooper Coupe, 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, 2012 Mini Cooper Coupe (260 Nm @ 1850 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Alfa Romeo SZ. (245 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2012 Mini Cooper Coupe 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 | 2012 Mini Cooper Coupe | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mini |
| Model | SZ | Cooper Coupe |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2957 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 208 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 260 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1850 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1260 kg | 1225 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4070 mm | 3734 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1684 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1384 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2466 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.2 L/100km | 7.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.2 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 50 L |
