Italy vs Japan — 1971 vs 1970
| Montreal | Fairlady Z 432 (S20) | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 200 hp | 160 hp |
| Torque | 173 lb-ft | — |
| Engine Size | 2,593 cc | — |
| Top Speed | 137 mph | 125 mph |
| Weight | 2,866 lbs | 2,271 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,350 mm | 2,305 mm |
| Length | 4,300 mm | 4,115 mm |
| Units Produced | 3,925 | 420 |
| Original MSRP | $11,500 | — |
| Collectibility | 8/10 | 10/10 |
| Rarity | 7/10 | 10/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1971 Alfa Romeo Montreal brings more power, higher top speed to the table, and the 1970 Nissan Fairlady Z 432 (S20) answers with lighter weight, greater rarity, stronger collectibility. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.
The rivalry between Italy and Japan automotive industries has produced legendary matchups, and the 1971 Alfa Romeo Montreal versus 1970 Nissan Fairlady Z 432 (S20) is among the most fascinating. These two cars represent the best of their national engineering schools. The 1971 Alfa Romeo Montreal holds a clear advantage in raw power with 200 hp compared to 160 hp, a 40-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. The engine configurations differ significantly — a V8 in the Alfa Romeo Montreal versus a Inline-6 in the Nissan Fairlady Z 432 (S20). The 1971 Alfa Romeo Montreal claims a higher top speed at 137 mph compared to 125 mph. The Nissan Fairlady Z 432 (S20) carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 595 lbs lighter. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 420 units built, the 1970 Nissan Fairlady Z 432 (S20) is considerably scarcer than the Alfa Romeo Montreal's 3,925 examples. From a collectibility standpoint, the 1970 Nissan Fairlady Z 432 (S20) rates higher among enthusiasts and auction houses.