1990 Alfa Romeo SZ vs. 1998 BMW 318
To start off, 1998 BMW 318 is newer by 8 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 92 more horse power than 1998 BMW 318. (116 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 Alfa Romeo SZ should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 318 weights approximately 135 kg more than 1990 Alfa Romeo SZ.
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, 1990 Alfa Romeo SZ (245 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 318. (180 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 1990 Alfa Romeo SZ will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 318. 1998 BMW 318 has automatic transmission and 1990 Alfa Romeo SZ has manual transmission. 1990 Alfa Romeo SZ will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 BMW 318 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Alfa Romeo SZ | 1998 BMW 318 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | SZ | 318 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2957 cc | 1895 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.6 mm | 83.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 230 km/hour | 203 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1260 kg | 1395 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 63 L |
