2004 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1989 Alfa Romeo SZ
To start off, 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Alfa Romeo SZ. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Alfa Romeo SZ would be higher. At 2,957 cc (6 cylinders), 1989 Alfa Romeo SZ is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Alfa Romeo SZ (208 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 2004 Alfa Romeo 156. (164 HP @ 6400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Alfa Romeo SZ should accelerate faster than 2004 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 150 kg more than 1989 Alfa Romeo SZ.
Because 1989 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 1989 Alfa Romeo SZ. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Alfa Romeo 156, 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, 1989 Alfa Romeo SZ (245 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 39 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Alfa Romeo 156. (206 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 1989 Alfa Romeo SZ will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Alfa Romeo 156.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1989 Alfa Romeo SZ | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | 156 | SZ |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1910 cc | 2957 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 164 HP | 208 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 206 Nm | 245 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 72.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.3:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 220 km/hour | 245 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.2 seconds | 7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1410 kg | 1260 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.1 L/100km | 7.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 50 L |
