1990 Alfa Romeo SZ vs. 1997 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Alfa Romeo SZ. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Alfa Romeo SZ 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 @ 6200 RPM) has 135 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (73 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 Alfa Romeo SZ should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Alfa Romeo SZ weights approximately 100 kg more than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. 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, 1997 Volkswagen Golf, 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 119 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (126 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1990 Alfa Romeo SZ will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Alfa Romeo SZ | 1997 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Volkswagen |
| Model | SZ | Golf |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2957 cc | 1389 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 73 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.6 mm | 75.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1260 kg | 1160 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2520 mm |
