1989 Alfa Romeo SZ vs. 2012 Volkswagen T5
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen T5 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, 1989 Alfa Romeo SZ (208 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen T5. (172 HP @ 3500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Alfa Romeo SZ should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen T5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen T5 weights approximately 1047 kg more than 1989 Alfa Romeo SZ.
Because 2012 Volkswagen T5 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1989 Alfa Romeo SZ. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen T5 will offer significantly more control. 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 Volkswagen T5 (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 155 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Alfa Romeo SZ. (245 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen T5 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 Volkswagen T5 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Volkswagen |
| Model | SZ | T5 |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2957 cc | 2459 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.6 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 245 km/hour | 181 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7 seconds | 13.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1260 kg | 2307 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4070 mm | 4900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 2000 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1910 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 3010 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.9 L/100km | 7.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 80 L |
