1990 Alfa Romeo SZ vs. 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 14 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 100 more horse power than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (108 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 Alfa Romeo SZ should accelerate faster than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Alfa Romeo SZ weights approximately 150 kg more than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 110 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (135 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1990 Alfa Romeo SZ will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Alfa Romeo SZ | 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mazda |
| Model | SZ | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2957 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.6 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 230 km/hour | 191 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1260 kg | 1110 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 50 L |
