1990 Alfa Romeo SZ vs. 1979 Honda Civic
To start off, 1990 Alfa Romeo SZ is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Honda Civic would be higher. At 2,957 cc (6 cylinders), 1990 Alfa Romeo SZ is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Alfa Romeo SZ (208 HP) has 141 more horse power than 1979 Honda Civic. (67 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1990 Alfa Romeo SZ should accelerate faster than 1979 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Alfa Romeo SZ weights approximately 465 kg more than 1979 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1990 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 1990 Alfa Romeo SZ. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 Honda Civic, 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, 1990 Alfa Romeo SZ (245 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 137 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Honda Civic. (108 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1990 Alfa Romeo SZ will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Alfa Romeo SZ | 1979 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Honda |
| Model | SZ | Civic |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2957 cc | 1335 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 67 HP |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.6 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 8.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1260 kg | 795 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 3770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2330 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 40 L |
