1991 Alfa Romeo SZ vs. 2012 Volkswagen GTI
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen GTI is newer by 21 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 8 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen GTI. (200 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1991 Alfa Romeo SZ should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen GTI. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen GTI weights approximately 133 kg more than 1991 Alfa Romeo SZ.
Because 1991 Alfa Romeo SZ is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1991 Alfa Romeo SZ. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen GTI, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2012 Volkswagen GTI (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 Alfa Romeo SZ. (245 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen GTI 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 | 2012 Volkswagen GTI | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Volkswagen |
| Model | SZ | GTI |
| Year Released | 1991 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2959 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 233 km/hour | 240 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1260 kg | 1393 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4213 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1501 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 55 L |
