1990 Alfa Romeo SZ vs. 2008 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2008 Mazda RX-8 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 19 more horse power than 2008 Mazda RX-8. (189 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 Alfa Romeo SZ should accelerate faster than 2008 Mazda RX-8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 162 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 25 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda RX-8. (220 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1990 Alfa Romeo SZ will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda RX-8.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Alfa Romeo SZ | 2008 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mazda |
| Model | SZ | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2957 cc | 1308 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.6 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 230 km/hour | 223 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1260 kg | 1422 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 61 L |
