1991 Alfa Romeo SZ vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1991 Alfa Romeo SZ. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1991 Alfa Romeo SZ would be higher. At 2,959 cc (6 cylinders), 1991 Alfa Romeo SZ is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Alfa Romeo SZ (208 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. (204 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1991 Alfa Romeo SZ should accelerate faster than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 550 kg more than 1991 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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (270 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 Alfa Romeo SZ. (245 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1991 Alfa Romeo SZ.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 Alfa Romeo SZ | 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | SZ | SL |
| Year Released | 1991 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2959 cc | 2798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 204 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.6 mm | 73.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.1:1 |
| Top Speed | 233 km/hour | 232 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1260 kg | 1810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 80 L |
