Italy vs Italy — 1989 vs 2005
| SZ ES-30 Sprint Zagato | 159 3.2 JTS V6 Q4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 210 hp | 260 hp |
| Torque | 181 lb-ft | 237 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 2,959 cc | 3,195 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 6.8 sec | 6.7 sec |
| Top Speed | 152 mph | 152 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 14.9 sec | 15.0 sec |
| Weight | 2,778 lbs | 3,671 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,510 mm | 2,700 mm |
| Length | 4,058 mm | 4,660 mm |
| Units Produced | 1,036 | — |
| Original MSRP | $80,000 | — |
| Value (Excellent) | $200,000 | $25,000 |
| Collectibility | 8/10 | 5/10 |
| Rarity | 7/10 | 6/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1989 Alfa Romeo SZ ES-30 Sprint Zagato brings lighter weight, stronger collectibility to the table, and the 2005 Alfa Romeo 159 3.2 JTS V6 Q4 answers with more power, quicker acceleration, better value. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.
Alfa Romeo has long offered a diverse lineup, and comparing the 1989 Alfa Romeo SZ ES-30 Sprint Zagato with the 2005 Alfa Romeo 159 3.2 JTS V6 Q4 highlights the breadth of the marque's engineering philosophy. The 2005 Alfa Romeo 159 3.2 JTS V6 Q4 holds a clear advantage in raw power with 260 hp compared to 210 hp, a 50-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Alfa Romeo SZ uses a V6 SOHC 12V displacing 2,959 cc, while the Alfa Romeo 159 relies on a V6 DOHC 24V with 3,195 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 2005 Alfa Romeo 159 3.2 JTS V6 Q4 edges ahead at 6.7 seconds versus 6.8 seconds. The Alfa Romeo SZ carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 893 lbs lighter. On the collector market, the 1989 Alfa Romeo SZ ES-30 Sprint Zagato commands a significant premium over the 2005 Alfa Romeo 159 3.2 JTS V6 Q4, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity. From a collectibility standpoint, the 1989 Alfa Romeo SZ ES-30 Sprint Zagato rates higher among enthusiasts and auction houses.