1990 Alfa Romeo SZ vs. 2008 BMW 523
To start off, 2008 BMW 523 is newer by 18 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 33 more horse power than 2008 BMW 523. (175 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 Alfa Romeo SZ should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 523. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 523 weights approximately 230 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 15 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 523. (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1990 Alfa Romeo SZ will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 523.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Alfa Romeo SZ | 2008 BMW 523 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | SZ | 523 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2957 cc | 2497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.6 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 230 km/hour | 230 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1260 kg | 1490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 70 L |
